Researchers used gene chips to analyze the pattern of gene-expression changes for tuberculosis in a living host, discovering a specific set of genes activated after 21 days post-infection. This indicates that these genes help the pathogen survive within the host while avoiding detection by the immune system.
A new study reveals that doctors offer tamoxifen primarily to women with higher risk profiles, despite those with lower side effect risks not being offered the drug. The research highlights a need for better educational strategies to help women make informed decisions about chemoprevention.
A new ribozyme package has been shown to be effective against the hepatitis B virus in an animal model, reducing viral production by over 80% in just three to five days. The treatment uses a specialized cassette that targets and destroys the virus's RNA, making it a promising approach for fighting other viruses as well.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a strong link between smoking and accelerated cognitive decline in elderly individuals. Smoking was shown to lower MMSE scores by up to .16 points per year, with higher cigarette pack-year exposure leading to greater declines.
Researchers have identified a new form of the MECP2 gene associated with Rett syndrome, a genetic neurological disorder affecting mostly girls. The discovery suggests that a defective alternate form of the gene causes the disease, providing hope for improved diagnosis and treatment options.
Researchers discovered the ING4 gene's significant reduction in glioblastomas, which led to faster growth and complex blood vessel networks. The study found that ING4 suppresses angiogenesis by inhibiting NF-kappa B, offering potential targets for glioma treatment.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a direct link between excess body weight and the formation of uric acid kidney stones. The study, which tracked nearly 5,000 patients, suggests that weight loss may be an effective therapy for preventing stone formation.
Researchers from Hebrew University and UCLA successfully created a tiny molecular motor that can be halted, paving the way for nanoscale devices with high precision. The achievement uses light or electrical stimulation to rotate a molecule, opening up possibilities for industrial and surgical applications.
A new form of the MECP2 protein has been discovered to be associated with Rett syndrome, a devastating neurological disorder affecting approximately 3,000 girls in the US. This breakthrough finding promises to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of Rett syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
Researchers identified specific areas of white matter enlargement linked to myelination delays in autistic and DLD patients. Enlargements were most pronounced in the prefrontal area and the outer layer of white matter was significantly larger than in normal controls.
A study by researchers at University College London found that when participants were lifting a heavy box, they perceived the weight of an actor's lifted box as lighter than it actually was. This suggests that our brains use simulation theory to understand others' actions, which can lead to biased judgments in social situations. Accord...
A new study found that patients who took statins before having a stroke had better outcomes compared to those who did not. However, statin use was not shown to reduce the severity of strokes.
Researchers have identified a novel form of the Rett syndrome protein, which is more abundant in human brain than previously thought. This discovery may provide insights into potential functional differences between the two proteins and help identify mutations in exon 1.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that most interactions between prescription medications and dietary supplements are not serious, affecting approximately 94% of patient population. Healthcare providers should continue to inquire about supplement use to consider potential interactions.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends early neuroimaging tests to diagnose cerebral palsy. This helps parents and physicians understand the disorder's cause and create effective treatment plans. The guidelines also suggest screening for related disorders, such as mental retardation and speech disorders.
Researchers found that galectin-1, a molecule present in various tumor types, negatively impacts T cell survival and contributes to tumor progression. Inhibition of galectin-1 significantly reduces tumor formation in mice, highlighting its potential as a molecular target for cancer immunotherapy.
A recent study found that moderate amounts of alcohol may help prevent death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in men with hypertension. The study involved 14,125 male physicians and showed a significant reduction in CVD mortality among those who drank moderately.
A Carnegie Mellon study found that people are willing to accept less money to sell an object than they would pay for it when sad. Disgust also leads to lower prices for both buying and selling. This challenges traditional economic principles, suggesting new strategies for marketing and negotiations.
Researchers found ants in Florida, North Carolina, and New York exhibit different caste structures and body sizes, suggesting adaptation to local environments. Behavioral experiments show soldier castes play a key role in colony defense.
Researchers using European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope discovered a unique type Ia supernova that exploded within a flat, dense disk of dust and gas. The findings suggest that this and other precursors resemble protoplanetary nebulae, which may indicate wide differences among their progenitors.
A study found that women with pelvic floor disorders have lower collagen levels in their cervix, regardless of other factors. This intrinsic factor may contribute to these problems, and further studies aim to develop predictive measures.
A new study finds that parallel trade in pharmaceuticals has a negative impact on the UK economy, with estimated losses of £290 million to manufacturers. The study concludes that the short-term benefits for consumers are outweighed by the long-term costs to innovation and investment in research and development.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found evidence of a substance secreted by the lungs of a developing fetus that contains the key signal to initiate labor. The study, led by Dr. Carole Mendelson, suggests a link between a specific fetal lung protein and labor in humans.
Increasing SERCA2a expression could correct heart failure without causing arrhythmias, a well-known side effect of current treatments. The study found that rats with overexpressed SERCA2a had lower incidence of arrhythmia and smaller injured area of heart muscle.
Researchers at UCSD and TSRI have developed a method for creating highly specific inhibitors of the AChE enzyme, a key target for treating neuromuscular and cognitive disorders. The new approach utilizes click chemistry to bring reactant components into proximity on an enzyme template, resulting in potent and selective inhibitors.
Researchers analyzed DNA from western gorilla fecal and hair samples to find that neighboring social groups are often led by genetically related males. This suggests connections between genetic relationships and group interactions, parallels with human social structures, and clues to the early human social world.
Researchers created a model linking tiger populations to prey density, revealing that human hunters are primary drivers of wild tigers' decline. The study spans eight years and 4,200 miles, providing rigorous insights into the macro-ecological dynamics of tigers and their habitats.
A study published in the American Sociological Review found that exposure to homeless people can increase sympathetic attitudes towards homelessness. The researchers examined how contact between domiciled and homeless individuals affected views on homelessness, finding that all four forms of exposure promote sympathetic attitudes.
Professor Bill Mitsch of Ohio State University has won the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize for his work on preserving and studying wetlands. The award recognizes his decades-long research on ecosystem behavior and his efforts to address water crises, including the annual hypoxia problem in the Gulf of Mexico.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have developed a new experimental model of human breast cancer in mice, allowing for the study of early stage development and tumor growth. The model involves grafting human breast tissue into mouse mammary glands, enabling the production of human breast milk and pre-cancerous tumors.
Researchers discovered that BCR/ABL oncogene blocks normal DNA repair mechanism, leading to genetic mutations and blast crisis. This breakthrough may lead to long-term treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia, a fatal blood cancer affecting people over 40.
A study by Peter M. Houck and colleagues found that administering antibiotics within 4 hours of hospital arrival significantly reduces mortality rates among Medicare patients with pneumonia who haven't received prior treatment. The early antibiotic treatment also shortens hospital stays, with an average reduction of half a day.
The Geoenvironmental Research Group (GRP) has joined the Sustainable Technologies Technium, a £10.8m innovation centre in Wales. The partnership aims to create additional companies, new jobs and increase turnover through world-beating technologies for sustainable solutions.
The US Army has awarded UCSD a five-year grant to develop innovative wireless networking technology for tactical environments. The project aims to create cross-layer algorithms and new antenna technologies to enhance network adaptability and resilience in the face of enemy jamming and eavesdropping attempts.
A study by Michael A. Grandner and Daniel F. Kripke found that long sleepers and short sleepers report more sleep complaints than those who sleep seven to eight hours a night. Long sleepers experienced difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night, and feeling unrefreshed upon waking.
A study suggests that debris from the gobbled-up Sagittarius dwarf galaxy may be 'smoking gun' for detecting dark matter's WIMPs. The combination of WIMPs from the Milky Way and Sagittarius could produce a distinct pattern on the DAMA detector, confirming their existence.
Researchers have found that deliberate damage to sensory receptor cells in the inner ear can trigger a cascade of signals through ATP release, leading to the spread of calcium ions. This mechanism is activated by loud noise levels commonly experienced in nightclubs and when using personal headphones.
Researchers found that alcohol enhances the rewarding effects of nicotine, leading to increased smoking rates. A potential new treatment involves using mecamylamine to counteract both nicotine and alcohol's effects, helping smokers quit both substances.
Researchers found that HDAC inhibitors and DPDTB can inhibit aggresomes formed by mutant SOD protein, suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach for ALS. This study may lead to alleviating ALS symptoms and prolonging life span in transgenic mice models.
Researchers developed 'Library on a Slide' technique to compare bacterial genomes, allowing for efficient identification of genes associated with biological processes. The method involves printing genomic DNA at high density onto a glass slide and uses fluorescently labelled probes to detect target genes.
A new form of the MeCP2 protein has been discovered, which may be more important in causing Rett Syndrome. The protein is found to be more abundant in the brain and its function must be understood to relate it to the disease symptoms.
Research suggests that bone-marrow-derived stem cells do not differentiate into new heart muscle cells when injected into damaged hearts. Instead, they mature into traditional blood lineage cells. This challenges the idea of using stem cell therapy to repair damaged hearts and raises questions about alternative approaches.
A study found that adults with a lack of parental support during childhood are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and chronic health conditions in adulthood. Early life parental support shapes people's sense of personal control, self-esteem, and family relationships, which affects adult health.
A Cincinnati Children's Hospital study found a deficiency in lipoxins, key regulators of inflammation, in children with cystic fibrosis. This discovery provides impetus for developing novel therapeutics to decrease lung inflammation.
Researchers refute vibration theory by finding shape of odor molecules crucial for distinct smells. The study's results support the prevailing 'shape theory', which suggests that chemical shape is the primary factor in determining a substance's scent.
Researchers found that blood-forming stem cells lodge in damaged hearts but retain their blood-forming fate, contradicting earlier findings. The study suggests that these cells may not be able to transform into muscle cells, but could still offer some potential for treating heart attack patients
The ECCO conference emphasized the need for risk-reducing interventions, genetic counseling, and psychological support for breast cancer patients. Delegates called for no upper age limit in treatment plans and patient participation in clinical trials based on performance status.
Researchers developed a novel method to compare genetic changes in developing mice with those in medulloblastoma, revealing common features with early developmental stages. This study provides a foundation for further research into tumor diagnosis and prognosis.
A study of 59 adolescents aged 12-14 found that those exhibiting aggressive and hyperactive behaviors were more likely to start smoking. The researchers suggest that identifying these behavioral symptoms could aid in the development of effective prevention programs for adolescent smokers.
The University of Illinois is launching a center for entrepreneurial education as an academic discipline, with the goal of increasing practical skills and economic development. The Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership Development will provide training for students and faculty, and create a scholarly database on entrepreneurship.
Researchers identified gene expression profiles associated with short-term and long-term outcomes in adult T-ALL patients. A three-gene model was found to be highly predictive of remission duration, offering new hope for customized treatment plans.
A new large-scale trial will test the efficacy of a genetically personalised treatment for breast cancer, using microarrays to identify specific molecular signatures. The MINDACT trial aims to spare patients at low risk of relapse from unnecessary chemotherapy, resulting in reduced side effects and healthcare costs.
Dr. Edward R. Perl, a renowned UNC neuroscientist, has been awarded the longest-running federal grant for pain research since 1957. His federally supported exploration of pain sensation's biological basis helped him become the first to document the existence of nociceptors.
A USC study found that human ancestors developed meat-tolerant genes to resist diseases associated with a meat-rich diet, leading to slower aging and longer lifespan. However, the researchers argue that modern-day humans' sedentary lifestyle and lack of moderation may be contributing factors to high cholesterol and vascular disease.
A new long-acting form of buprenorphine has been shown to provide relief from heroin withdrawal symptoms and reduce the effects of test opioids for up to 6 weeks. This breakthrough treatment may increase patient engagement, ease treatment burden, and reduce the risk of misuse.
The study found that protein p27 uses flexible arms to bind to the Cdk2-cyclin A complex, which is crucial for regulating cell division and preventing cancer. The researchers discovered how proteins like p27 can identify and bind to different types of complexes, allowing them to regulate various cellular processes.
A recent survey of Illinois alumni with spinal cord injuries or disease found that 79% with paraplegia and 70% with quadriplegia were employed. The study's findings suggest that the university's Division of Rehabilitation-Education Services is successful in preparing students for employment.
Carnegie Mellon University chemist Dr. Matyjaszewski has received a prestigious award for his groundbreaking contributions to atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), a controlled living polymerization process that enables precise control over polymer composition and architecture.
Sub-Saharan Africa must focus on expanding and intensifying smallholder agriculture backed by manufacturing exports to meet Millennium Development Goals. The region's agricultural growth has stagnated for 30 years, making it crucial to address practical challenges facing farmers and private investors.
A new study found a significant disparity in breast conservation rates between countries, with Poland having the lowest rate of only 2% and the USA the second-highest at 56%. The variation was attributed to factors such as tumour characteristics, access to radiotherapy, and screening programmes.