Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed a method to control the architecture of nanocrystals using electrochemistry. They created nearly 30 different nanostructures by changing applied voltages and chemical types, offering greater predictability and convenience compared to traditional methods.
A new study explores whether children seeking object names actually desire the object's function, not just its label. Children given functional information seemed more satisfied with the response, suggesting they can distinguish between superficial classification and deeper understanding.
UCSD School of Medicine researchers have identified a mechanism leading to life-threatening infections, where PKR protein causes macrophages to die, allowing bacteria to spread. The discovery may help develop inhibitors for PKR, controlling nasty infections and reducing flu-related deaths.
A team of scientists at Rutgers University has identified the active compound in croton plant oil, TPA, which shows promise in treating prostate cancer. The study found that TPA can stop new cells from growing, kill existing cancer cells, and shrink prostate tumors.
Researchers found a 1.7-fold increase in cardiovascular death among breast cancer patients who received radiotherapy compared to those who didn't. However, the risk was lower for non-irradiated patients, suggesting that breast cancer may have a protective effect on cardiovascular disease.
Cornell University has been awarded a $300,000 USAID grant to implement two development programs in India. The Agriculture in Developing Nations course will be taught at Cornell and partner institutions in India, sensitizing students and policymakers on how to improve productivity and competitiveness in agriculture. For executives, the...
A recent study examined 350 adult volunteers and found that 3.6% developed harmless skin rashes after vaccination. The rashes cleared up on their own within one to three weeks without serious symptoms.
A recent study has confirmed that women with BRCA breast cancer who undergo conservation surgery and radiotherapy have a lower risk of recurrence compared to those without genetic mutations. The only factor associated with a higher risk of recurrence is young age, according to the researchers.
A new study shows that preoperative anastrozole treatment can downstage tumors and allow more patients to undergo less extensive breast-conserving surgery, reducing the need for mastectomy. The treatment has been shown to be effective in improving outcomes for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
A team of researchers used yeast to elucidate the steps involved in the pathway that regulates vertebrate cell response to dioxin, identifying 54 genes with a significant influence on AHR response. The study reveals five discrete biochemical steps in the signaling pathway and identifies one previously undescribed nuclear step.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that diabetes reduces life expectancy by 12 years, with men living 64.7 years and women 70.7 years compared to the general population. Eradicating diabetes would increase life expectancy by 2.8 years for men and 2.6 years for women.
A study of 501 patients with recurrent prostate cancer found that salvage radiotherapy can be effective for patients with high-grade disease and rapid PSA doubling time, suggesting it may prevent metastatic disease progression. The study's findings support early treatment for these patients, who are at the highest risk of disease spread.
The study found that 97.5% of patients with DCIS underwent surgery, but there is a wide variation in treatment approaches, including the use of mastectomy, radiation therapy, and axillary dissection. The incidence of DCIS increased by 73% between 1992 and 1999, highlighting the need for standardized treatment recommendations.
A team of researchers developed an optical glucose sensor that functions as a continuous glucose monitor capable of operating under physiological conditions. The sensor shows outstanding glucose response over the full range of glucose levels, which could reduce pain, costs, and deaths in ICU patients.
A new study found that infection with a high-risk type of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral epithelial cells may be an independent risk factor for head and neck cancer. High-risk HPV types detected in oral exfoliated cells were predictive of high-risk HPV types in tumor tissue.
A team of scientists has analyzed the largest sample of Neandertal and early human remains, concluding that Neandertals could not have made a significant genetic contribution to early modern humans. The study's findings challenge the theory of interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Homo Neanderthalensis.
A study by Miriam Jacobs and colleagues has found significant increases in flame retardant levels in cod liver oil supplements over the past four years. This is a growing concern due to the potential for these chemicals to contaminate the environment and human health, particularly through consumption of contaminated fish oils.
A study of 4,939 elderly patients with hypertension found that home blood pressure testing was more accurate than office tests in predicting cardiovascular events. Home blood pressure testing showed a 17.2% increased risk of cardiovascular events for each 10-mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure.
Researchers found that ocean acidity influences early estimates of carbon dioxide and temperature link, correcting temperature curves to match glacial records. They applied correction factors for changes in acidity, calcium ions, and carbon dioxide saturation, accurately predicting two major glaciations.
A study found that mutated tumor suppressor genes, particularly p53 and p21, play a significant role in bladder cancer development. Eighty bladder cancer patients were evaluated, and the researchers discovered that these genes are altered in 83 percent of patients.
Alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, a banned chemical, was detected in the atmosphere of Sable Island off Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The study reveals that the chemical traveled from China and India to the Arctic Ocean before reaching Atlantic Canada.
Scientists have deciphered the genome of Wolbachia pientis wMel, a model bacterium that infects fruit flies. The study reveals the bacterium has accumulated more repetitive DNA than any other intracellular bacteria, with potential applications in developing new treatments for diseases such as dengue fever and lymphatic filariasis.
The Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) will provide free online access to its archived research, including articles published from January 1999 to the present. This move aims to improve cancer care worldwide by increasing access to essential information.
Researchers have discovered a chemical modification of the dopamine transporter that enables amphetamine-induced dopamine release. This finding may lead to the development of treatments for drug addiction by targeting this molecular mechanism.
A new tumor classification system combines molecular biology and classic pathology to provide a comprehensive and consistent way of typing tumors. The system uses both the type of cells that form a tumor and its molecular characteristics to determine its behavior, offering improved accuracy and insight into treatment options.
A study examining coastal and southern California shrublands found that fire hazard risk was relatively constant at 2.7% annually, contradicting the assumption that older vegetation fuels cause larger fires. Regional differences may contribute to these findings.
Researchers have sequenced the complete genome of Wolbachia pipientis, a parasitic bacterium that targets male hosts, providing new insights into its biology and evolution. The discovery has potential applications in controlling insect pests and human/animal filariasis.
A new transdermal system, E-TRANS fentanyl PCTS, has been shown to be as effective as traditional IV pumps for post-surgical pain relief. The system delivers pain medication through the skin with a low-level electric current and can be used for patients with moderate to severe post-operative pain after various surgeries.
A study published in JAMA found that a transdermal patch delivering fentanyl is equivalent to an intravenous pump for postoperative pain control. The patch, called PCTS, eliminated the need for needles and mobility restrictions. Patient assessments showed high rates of good or excellent pain control with both methods.
The European Parliament and Commission are urging a unified EU approach to combat breast cancer, citing the potential for 90% of patients to be cured with early diagnosis. Breast cancer centers must meet specific requirements, including 150 operations per year and multidisciplinary case conferences.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has awarded twenty undergraduate students with the AACR-Thomas J. Bardos Science Education Awards. The award recipients will receive financial support to attend two consecutive Annual Meetings and participate in educational programs, such as a special high school student program.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that women taking estrogen and progestin hormone replacement therapy had a lower risk of colorectal cancer, but those who developed cancer had more advanced cases. The researchers emphasize the importance of regular colonoscopy for women over 50.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified patterns in electromagnetic fields caused by lightning strikes on tall structures, such as the CN Tower. This study provides crucial insights for designing protective measures, including enclosures for sensitive equipment and special diodes to prevent over-voltage.
Researchers identified a mechanism preventing immune system destruction of chronic viral infections like herpes and HIV. Regulatory CD4+ T cells suppress normal function of CD8+ T cells in persistently infected mice, allowing virus to evade the immune system.
The Pittsburgh NMR Center is developing novel non-invasive MRI methods to monitor organ function and detect allograft rejection. Researchers are also exploring magnetic resonance microscopy to track autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.
A massive solar flare of X45 was detected on November 4, 2003, exceeding previous largest flares by a factor of two. The team used radio wave-based measurements to revise the flare's size, finding it equivalent to 5,000 Suns in x-ray radiation.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a way to block fluid leakage that causes long-term tissue injury after a heart attack. A single dose of a compound can drastically reduce tissue injury and increase long-term survival following a heart attack.
A study found that a quarter of 50-69-year-old women had dense breast patterns more commonly associated with younger women. Breast cancer screening in postmenopausal women is effective, but cancers can still go undetected due to high mammographic density.
A recent NASA study verified that water vapor in the atmosphere increases with rising temperatures, contradicting some climate scientists' claims of a decrease. The researchers found the positive water vapor feedback to be weaker than expected, which may impact global climate predictions.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a potentially new avenue for treating human narcolepsy by introducing the brain chemical orexin into genetically engineered mice. The study, which uses knockout mice that lack orexin-producing cells, finds that artificially reintroducing orexin alleviates narcoleptic symptom...
Adults who live alone face significant challenges in meeting their daily needs, receiving only 56% of required assistance. Unmet needs are linked to adverse consequences, including health issues and risk of institutionalization.
A recent study has revealed that bacteria do indeed inhabit the esophagus, with researchers discovering over 95 species of microbes in healthy tissue. The findings have significant implications for treating diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and may one day lead to new treatments using antibiotics.
A recent study by Mark Feinberg and colleagues reveals that the level of immune activation directly affects the initial peak of virus in the blood stream. The researchers also found that steady-state viral levels in chronic infection are related to the generation of a primary immune response, which may be both helpful and harmful.
Researchers have identified orlistat as an inhibitor of fatty acid synthase, a key enzyme in cancer cell metabolism. This discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for prostate, breast, and colon cancers by inhibiting the enzyme's activity with orlistat.
Researchers found that chronic sinusitis affects only 1.96% of the US population, contrary to previous estimates of 14-16%. A database analysis of Olmstead County medical records revealed a significantly lower prevalence rate of 2%.
The Mixed-Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene plays a crucial role in blood cell development, with its absence resulting in the failure to produce normal blood cells. MLL regulates critical genes necessary for hematopoiesis, a complex process of blood cell formation.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have created germ-free zebrafish, allowing them to study the molecular details of how symbionts affect animal development and physiology. The study revealed 212 genes with different levels of expression in germ-free fish compared to conventionally raised groups.
A study of 445 patients with chronic olfactory dysfunction found a significant link between impaired sense of smell and an increased risk of cooking-related incidents, gas leaks, and fire detection. Otolaryngologists must be aware of these risks to provide proper diagnosis and counseling for patients.
A study of 299 smokers found that nicotine nasal spray and skin patch both led to similar abstinence rates after six months. However, certain groups achieved higher success rates with one form over the other based on their ethnic background, weight and nicotine dependence level.
A Rice University research team, led by Naomi Halas, aims to develop a multimodality spectroscope for nanoscale optical imaging of peptides, proteins, and viruses. The system will require three instruments: nanopatterned substrates, scanning probe instrument, and an integrated 'superlens' microscope and spectral probe.
A new study published in the American Thoracic Society's Journal found that preterm infants exposed to cigarette smoke in utero experience increased obstructive apneas and decreased respiratory arousal index. Additionally, researchers discovered that rhDNase treatment significantly reduces airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis patient...
The study reveals that the UK is a highly desirable place to work due to career advancement opportunities directly related to excellence. In contrast, Italy faces brain drain issues due to under-funding, patronage, and protectionism in its academic environment.
A Northwestern University study found that COX-2 inhibitors can block lupus autoimmunity by targeting a specific molecular pathway. The researchers identified structural peculiarity in some COX-2 inhibitors as the key to their effectiveness, which may lead to the development of new treatments.
Scientists have found a possible way to rescue damaged neurons from death by targeting a specific protein. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that a proNGF antibody can prevent the interaction between two cellular proteins that cause neuron damage.
Researchers discovered that the medial prefrontal cortex is activated during hypoglycemia, indicating a link between cognitive processes and innate physiological responses. This finding provides new understanding of how the brain functions during basic responses like those seen in hypoglycemia.
Astronomers at Yale University have discovered the most distant object in our solar system, Sedna, which is approximately 10 billion miles away from the sun. Sedna's orbit ranges from seven to 100 billion miles from the sun and its characteristics are consistent with it residing in the Oort cloud.
Researchers identify Twist proteins as transient inhibitors of osteoblast differentiation, negatively regulating Runx2. This finding provides insight into the complexity of osteoblast differentiation and its initiation by the relief of inhibition.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new MRI technique called remote detection, which separates NMR encoding and detection to optimize both. This separation enables orders-of-magnitude improvement in image resolution and manifold increases in sensitivity.
Research found that long-term PUVA treatment increases the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the skin of psoriasis patients, particularly those with a history of exposure. The study screened for HPV DNA in body hairs from 81 patients and found higher rates in patients with PUVA history compared to those without.
A new hypothesis suggests that Alzheimer's disease arises from inflammation, leading to the creation of abnormal metabolites that modify amyloid beta proteins. These misfolded proteins accumulate into fibrils and plaques, causing neuronal loss and contributing to the disease.