Catalina Achim, a Carnegie Mellon University chemist, has received the prestigious NSF CAREER award to support her research on incorporating metal ions into peptide nucleic acid (PNA). The grant will also enable her to develop an interdisciplinary course bridging inorganic chemistry and art.
The Department of Defense Smallpox Vaccination Program reported over 50 cases of myopericarditis, a heart muscle inflammation, following vaccination. Most soldiers experiencing complications have recovered well with therapy, but researchers stress the need for further study to better understand potential cardiac risks.
A study led by Professor Mary Naylor demonstrates a model of care that has important implications for the nation's healthcare system. Advanced practice nurses coordinated care provided by various healthcare team members to reduce hospital readmissions and improve patient outcomes.
A facultative symbiont is identified in pea aphids associated with host plant specialization, increasing fecundity on clover and failure to survive on alfalfa. Genetic data suggests the aphid genome, not symbiont, causes specialization.
Researchers are exploring innovative treatments for atrial fibrillation, including radio frequency ablation and gene transfer techniques. These methods aim to regulate the heart's irregular rhythm without the dangerous side effects of current medications.
The Cardiff Institute of Society, Health and Ethics aims to produce high-quality evidence to address health inequalities and improve public health in Wales. The institute will focus on tackling issues such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and urinary disorders through community-based initiatives and research.
A study found that nearly 8 out of 10 establishments sold alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons, with younger servers more likely to serve. The study suggests increasing enforcement, comprehensive training, and permitting dram-shop liability lawsuits could reduce such incidents.
The new centre aims to help firms adopt sustainable practices through research on advanced technologies, miniaturisation, and waste minimisation. It will also explore shared and collaborative logistics, warehousing, and transport systems to achieve sustainable economics for the manufacturing industry.
A study found that rectal artesunate significantly reduced parasite concentrations by over one-third in both children and adults. Early administration of this treatment may help reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality, particularly in rural communities with limited healthcare access.
Researchers at Boston College are studying the molecular mechanisms of B-1a cells, which can lead to autoimmune diseases and leukemias like chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The new NIH-funded program project aims to understand how these cells proliferate and enter the cell cycle.
Researchers have identified a flagellar and basal body proteome that includes the BBS5 human disease gene by comparing the genetic codes of humans and the green alga Chlamydomonas. This discovery sheds light on the complex structure and function of cilia, which are essential for various cellular processes.
Researchers discover novel gene BBS5, necessary for generating cilia and flagella, which are involved in the development of Bardet-Biedl syndrome. The study confirms that BBS is caused by defects in cilia, a theory first proposed by Dr Philip Beales.
Researchers found that estrogen therapy can suppress adrenal androgen production, with marked reductions in DHEA-S, A4, and testosterone levels. The study suggests a potential mechanism for how estrogen affects androgen hormones, and has implications for postmenopausal women.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in regenerating damaged heart muscle, improving heart function and survival rates with human embryonic stem cells. The study suggests a promising method for treating congestive heart failure, offering hope for millions of patients worldwide.
The National Visual Analytics Center aims to improve terrorist threat detection and analysis of vast information streams using visual analytics techniques, protecting individual privacy in the process. The center will develop tools for evaluating new technologies and support information sharing in a secure environment.
Researchers have discovered that nonalcoholic beer can impart cardiovascular benefits without the negative effects of alcohol. The study found that nonalcoholic beer reduced platelet activation and blood coagulation just as well as alcoholic beverages, which may help prevent conditions such as coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.
A study found that treating cirrhotic patients with synbiotics or fermentable fiber can alter the gut flora, lowering ammonia levels and improving clinical signs of brain and liver dysfunction. The treatments were effective in reversing minimal hepatic encephalopathy in 50% of patients, compared to 13% in the placebo group.
A recent study found that boys are at least twice as likely to have dyslexia and reading difficulties as girls. The research suggests that early identification and intervention are crucial for providing effective treatment, and highlights the need for educational programmes to address boys' emerging disabilities.
A Kansas State University computer science professor aims to develop autonomous cooperative robotic teams that can work together without human intervention. He hopes to create robots that can adapt and reorganize to accomplish their mission, enabling more efficient and cost-effective operations in various industries.
Justin Crowley receives a $240,000 award to study neural circuit formation in the primary visual cortex. His research aims to understand how neurons form functional connections during development, which could lead to treatment options for nervous system damage caused by traumatic injury or disease.
The value of screening varies by condition, and it can both identify treatable conditions and subject patients to invasive evaluations. Researchers recommend carefully considering each condition's worthiness and exploring prospective studies on screening efficacy.
Researchers have identified six essential genes for cilia formation in humans, which could help diagnose and treat diseases such as infertility, pulmonary diseases, and vision problems. The discovery provides a critical new tool for medical researchers to understand the genetic basis of these disorders.
A recent study on a rocky intertidal shore in Washington State discovered an alternative state where mussels replace algal dominated assemblages. The starfish play a key role in controlling mussel distribution and abundance, leading to two possible outcomes: gradual recovery or persistent transformation.
Researchers identified nicotinamide riboside, a natural compound in milk, as a potential treatment for metabolic disorders and improved cancer therapy. The discovery may offer an alternative to existing treatments, such as niacin, which has uncomfortable side effects.
A recent study published in Ecology Letters found that increased atmospheric carbon dioxide can lead to a significant increase in algal productivity, with up to 40% to 50% more growth in nutrient-rich environments. This could result in more severe nuisance blooms, particularly in freshwater and saltwater systems.
A prospective study found that breastfed preterm infants had lower ratios of LDL to HDL cholesterol and CRP concentrations compared to formula-fed counterparts. Longer human milk intake was associated with additional benefits on cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that partial defoliation stimulates micro-organisms to release more nitrogen in the soil. This increase in nitrogen availability allows certain trees to grow larger leaves and recover from initial damage.
Researchers identified a plant-like enzyme, CDPK4, essential for malaria parasite transmission to mosquitoes. The findings provide a promising new target for developing safe and effective anti-malarial drugs.
Science.gov 2.0 enhances the interagency science portal, searching 47 million pages of government R&D results in relevancy-ranked order. The new metasearch technology brings together the 30 largest databases, making them searchable via a single query.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in US women over 45, with inadequate screening contributing to high mortality rates. Women often fail to receive aggressive risk factor management, exacerbating poor outcomes compared to men.
A recent study found that statins reduced brain lesions in people with MS by 44% after six months of treatment. Researchers suggest that statins may be beneficial for patients as monotherapy or as an add-on to existing therapies, but more data is needed to confirm their efficacy.
A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive found that Americans hold engineers in high regard, with 77% of respondents believing they contribute to strong economic growth and national security. The survey also revealed that engineers are widely respected for their ability to make a positive contribution to society.
Researchers have identified 688 genes involved in building human cilia, which help push fluid and molecules around outside cells. This discovery sheds new light on the causes of a rare condition called complex obesity syndrome.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that frozen sperm are just as effective as fresh sperm in in vitro fertilization. The cumulative live birth rate was higher for frozen sperm, with a success rate of 53.1 percent compared to 51.6 percent for fresh sperm.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have successfully created a three-photon entangled state, enabling precise measurements that surpass those made by single photons. The breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize fields like quantum computing and gravitational wave detection.
A recent study by Merrill and colleagues found that soy GlcCer, a type of sphingolipid, can reduce the number of tumors in mice with colon cancer. The study's results suggest that consuming soybeans may help prevent colon cancer by targeting beta-catenin, a protein involved in cell growth.
Researchers discovered that migratory birds can detect fluctuations in magnetic fields using a molecular substrate for chemical reactions. The study found that the birds' sensitivity to artificial magnetic fields ruled out the use of simple magnetic materials in their beaks or brains.
Researchers at VIB have developed nanobodies, tiny proteins that can target specific cancer cells. These nanobodies have shown promise in treating various diseases, including inflammatory and heart conditions.
A gene mutation may cause misrouting of proteins in retinal cells, leading to macular degeneration. Research aims to understand the biological function of the gene and its role in fatty acid metabolism.
Recent study by Yale University's Richard Easther and colleagues proposes that the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) may contain evidence for string theory. The CMB is thought to hold a fossilized record of the first moments of time, with subtle fluctuations potentially revealing signs of string theory.
A study by University of Washington researchers exposes the existence of two distinct circadian clocks within the mammalian brain, one tied to an internal schedule and another influenced by external light-dark cycles. The discovery sheds new light on how artificial day-night cycles can disrupt physiological rhythms in mammals.
Researchers used fMRI to study brain activity in response to rewards, finding that reward centers were activated when participants actively received the reward. Active participation was found to be more salient and arousing than passive receipt, highlighting its importance for brain function.
Since 1991, end-of-life care has seen significant improvements in palliative care and hospice availability. Timothy Quill's father's death provided a unique opportunity to illustrate the good and bad in end-of-life care, highlighting the need for consistent availability of care options.
Scientists have developed fruit flies with fluorescent genes to study memory formation, discovering that a specific set of neurons, called projection neurons, show increased active connections after learning. The new synaptic activity disappeared within minutes but the flies continued to avoid the odor they associated with the shock.
Researchers recorded activity of individual hippocampal neurons as monkeys retrieved well-learned information from memory, finding stronger response to familiar stimuli. The study provides strong evidence for a memory signal specific to well-learned information and may inform treatments for Alzheimer's Disease.
Researchers at Duke University found that ringtails and mongoose lemurs can learn sequences of pictures and discriminate quantities. The animals show a systematic learning ability and can recognize larger quantities, but their numerical abilities are not as sophisticated as those of monkeys and apes.
A recent study has found that minimally invasive laparoscopically assisted colectomy is an acceptable alternative for treating colon cancer when performed by experienced surgeons. The procedure's success depends on stringent surgical standards being followed.
A study by UC Berkeley post-doctoral fellow Vance T. Vredenburg shows that non-native trout have devastated native frog populations in high-Sierra lakes, but removing fish allows the frogs to flourish. The mountain yellow-legged frog has declined dramatically due to introduced trout, with only 5,000 adults remaining in its range.
The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth has secured a $9 million grant to study Neurospora crassa, a fungus with significant animal, human and plant pathogens. The research will focus on understanding the genetic functions of this model organism.
A team of European astronomers discovered a massive star surrounded by a huge accretion disc, pushing the understanding of high-mass star formation. The large disc, resembling a flared disc seen nearly edge-on, is associated with an hour-glass shaped reflection nebula and reveals details about star formation processes.
A new 'hyperactive' antifreeze protein has been identified in the blood of winter flounder, enabling them to withstand temperatures as low as -1.9 degrees Celsius. This discovery explains the previously unknown mechanism behind these fish's survival in polar oceans.
A seven-year international study involving 872 patients with colon cancer has resolved concerns about laparoscopic surgery, finding it to be as safe and effective as standard surgery. The study found similar rates of complications, cancer recurrence, and overall survival between the two groups.
Pearly mussel populations are declining due to negative growth rates and environmental degradation. Researchers urge simultaneous research and conservation actions to protect these ancient freshwater organisms.
Researchers at Tufts University are developing a flexible robot that can navigate through the human body and complex structures, inspired by the unique movement of caterpillars. The team is studying the nervous system control of caterpillar locomotion to replicate this movement and build soft-bodied robots.
Researchers created a controlled environment to test various weather conditions and their effects on post oak, bluestem grass, and juniper species. The study aims to understand how these changes may alter land use and wildlife survival in the region.
A new study confirms long-held theories that CWD can be transmitted through indirect means, including contaminated environments. The research suggests that environmental sources of infection may contribute to CWD epidemics, potentially altering management strategies for the disease.
Researchers found a broad range of nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios possible in phytoplankton, contradicting the long-held Redfield ratio of 16:1. The new model takes into account varying growth conditions and optimal strategies for nutrient uptake, with implications for ocean ecosystem and climate change.
New research suggests two distinct brain areas, the hippocampus and subiculum, work together to process and store information for short-term memory. This finding broadens understanding of how memory works and could lead to more sensitive tests and treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
The US Department of Energy is developing a new supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to enhance the nation's computing capability for complex simulations. The system will be open to researchers worldwide and enable breakthroughs in various science disciplines.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that showing graphic images of actual trauma to at-risk youth reduces their quantified beliefs supporting aggression. The research also suggests a reduction in the likelihood of youths resorting to violence to settle conflicts.