A team from the Salk Institute has revealed the structural basis for tetraketide cyclization in stilbene synthase, which produces resveratrol, a beneficial phytonutrient found in red wine. The mechanism of stilbene synthesis is crucial for its pharmaceutical and medical interest.
Girls spent more time in feminine activities with lower testosterone levels and reported interest, while masculine activities increased until age 13. Family characteristics, such as personality traits and attitudes, also predicted involvement in sex-typed activities.
Macroalgae, particularly Halimeda opuntia, triggers a virulent white plague type II disease in corals. The alga is also found to be a reservoir for the causative agent Aurantimonas coralicida.
Researchers have successfully synthesized the 22nd amino acid, L-pyrrolysine, and demonstrated its incorporation into new proteins within E. coli bacteria. The discovery explains how this amino acid is inserted into proteins inside living cells, following a traditional path that had been predicted by scientists.
A meta-analytic review found that home visiting programs enhance parenting behaviors, increase educational attainment, and boost children's cognitive and social skills. While the benefits are statistically significant, the magnitude of the impact varies.
Chemical genetics was used to identify novel small-molecule inhibitors of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus. The study revealed four compounds that effectively inhibited the replication of the virus, providing new hope for the treatment of SARS.
Researchers in The Netherlands and Belgium developed a new technique that uses genetically engineered rhTSH to stimulate thyroid cancer cells to absorb radioactive iodine, avoiding hypothyroidism and increasing safety. This approach may allow higher doses of radioiodine to be used when needed, improving treatment efficacy.
A study of 1,323 students found that teenage perceptions of math and English changed over time, with boys generally liking math more and girls preferring English. Initially, girls found math harder than boys but this gap narrowed by senior years.
A team of researchers has developed a fast-track method to identify regulatory sequences in the genome that control cell growth and development. The study, published in Science, used a unique algorithm called Improbizer to predict where these regulatory sequences might be found in the genome.
Columbia researchers found that patients with thinner or thicker corneas need different IOP adjustments for effective glaucoma treatment. The study's linear correction scale significantly impacted treatment decisions, highlighting the importance of CCT in managing the condition.
Research found that differential parenting, particularly negative behavior, is linked to child maladjustment and aggressive-disruptive behavior. The study suggests parents should follow a principle of fairness in dealing with their children, but acknowledges that special circumstances require different treatment.
Researchers have deciphered the three-dimensional structure of a plant enzyme that produces resveratrol, a key component of red wine with impressive health benefits. The study provides new insights into the relationships among plant proteins, shedding light on how grapes produce resveratrol to defend against fungal invasion.
A team led by Brown ecologist will study how Arabidopsis integrates environmental signals to flower at favorable times. The research aims to improve food production, understand climate change's impact on crops and wild plants, and shed light on genetic variation.
The Hartford Doctoral Fellows Program supports up to 42 new Doctoral Fellows with a two-year fellowship and career development enhancements. A pre-dissertation award also encourages more social work doctoral students to consider gerontology.
Researchers from UMaine and China collaborate on a joint expedition to study atmospheric circulation and global warming. They successfully melted an 87-meter ice core using a device built at UMaine, shedding light on changes in the region's climate.
A study funded by the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation has identified novel potential therapeutic targets for spinal cord repair using microarray technology. The study analyzed 108 genes and found patterns of gene expression that could help researchers identify new treatments.
Researchers have designed a traveling-wave engine that converts 18% of heat source energy into electricity, outperforming current thermoelectric devices. The device's high reliability and efficient energy conversion make it suitable for deep space probes.
A study finds that 50% of patients with Crohn's disease have viable MAP in their blood, suggesting a systemic infection. The findings raise questions about the role of MAP in IBD and highlight the need for further research to clarify its significance.
A study led by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that cancer drug rituximab significantly improves health in patients with lupus by reducing B cells. The treatment was effective for 11 out of 17 patients, with many able to reduce or discontinue traditional medications.
A new information system will help researchers understand the relationship between genes and behavior in honey bees. The BeeSpace system will provide a comprehensive environment for analyzing genomic data, enabling scientists to identify key roles in social behavior.
The March of Dimes survey found that 49 percent of women who have been on low-carb diets in the past six months take a daily multivitamin containing folic acid. This increase suggests that women are becoming more aware of the importance of folic acid for preventing birth defects.
Researchers studying Nicaraguan Sign Language found that children give language its most fundamental features by learning it, contradicting theories of hard-wired blueprints. Children turn simple gestures into a true language through their own experimentation and improvement.
A new study suggests that most people's diets get healthier from childhood to young adulthood. Adults tend to consume more fruit and vegetables and less fat and sugar compared to their child years. However, many people perceive barriers to healthy eating, such as lack of time and work patterns.
A study found that energy intake from soft drinks in the US rose by 135% between 1977 and 2001, while milk intake decreased by 38%. This shift is linked to increased obesity rates.
The research team, led by K-State and including institutions in Europe and the US, will study how plants adapt to changing environmental conditions. By understanding these adaptations, scientists can predict plant behavior and develop strategies for conservation and crop improvement.
Researchers from University of California, Berkeley, and other institutions will study the mechanical and neurological basis of locomotion using RHex, a short six-legged robot. The team aims to uncover the neural and muscular control and feedback loops that lead to similar patterns of movement in animals
A $500,000 grant will provide support to students from North Philadelphia entering the first year of their nursing program. The project aims to increase diversity in the nursing profession by providing culturally sensitive activities and professional development sessions.
A recent study found that US child health lags behind other industrialized nations in infant mortality rates, immunization rates, and overall well-being. The country's high level of income inequality is cited as a primary factor contributing to these poor rankings.
A team of researchers, led by Himadri Pakrasi, aims to model the networks that cyanobacteria, Arabidopsis, and Physcomitrella use to cope with radicals. This study has potential applications for human biology and could lead to new therapies.
Researchers at UCSB discovered a correlation between Southern Ocean cooling and the expansion of Antarctic ice sheets around 14 million years ago. The study suggests that changes in global carbon cycling played a crucial role in this process, providing insight into the dynamics of Earth's climate system.
The NSF announces six FIBR awards to tackle some of biology's most challenging questions. The projects will study the relationship between an organism's genes and the outside world, as well as animal movement, social behavior, and photosynthesis.
Researchers developed a new trust model to interpret subjects' performance in a simple task. The model factors in doubt and found that many students expressed doubt despite being told it was unlikely. This challenges the assumption that humans are irrational when doubting instructions.
A randomized trial found that coronary angioplasty within 24 hours of medical therapy for heart-attack patients can significantly improve outcomes. The study, GRACIA-1, showed a halved rate of death, reinfarction, or revascularisation at 12 months compared to conservative treatment.
The Lehigh International Materials Institute (IMI) will receive $3.25 million to develop new glass functionalities and foster global collaboration. The grant aims to revitalize the worldwide glass research community and educate a new generation of experts, addressing concerns about the US losing its lead in the field.
Two studies published in Science suggest that eosinophils play a crucial role in the development of asthma, but the exact mechanisms are not yet clear. The findings challenge previous theories and highlight the importance of considering individual genetic factors in treating asthma.
Researchers developed control methods for self-reconfigurable robots that can change shape and perform different tasks without falling apart. The methods ensure guaranteed correct behavior, enabling robots to adapt to various environments and tasks.
Researchers identified a mechanism for beta-cell growth during insulin resistance, which occurs as a normal protective response to delay type 2 diabetes onset. PDX-1 plays a crucial role in regulating this growth, and modulating key proteins involved may enhance beta cell replication or transplantation
Researchers at USC have linked historical increases in human lifespan to reduced childhood exposure to infectious diseases like tuberculosis and malaria. Chronic inflammation from these early infections accelerated cardiovascular and other diseases, leading to increased longevity.
A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers demonstrates that eosinophils are required for mucus accumulation and lung dysfunction associated with asthma. Transgenic mice without eosinophils showed reduced or eliminated disease symptoms following allergen exposure, paving the way for novel therapies to treat and prevent asthma.
A recent study found that people with schizophrenia in China are 24 times more likely to die by suicide than those without the condition. The research suggests a possible link between the prevalence of schizophrenia and suicide in women, who make up a larger proportion of those affected.
Researchers identify a new mechanism for stroke damage, revealing acid-sensing ion channels as major players. Blocking these channels with existing pharmacologic agents may provide a potential therapeutic target for stroke therapy.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have found a promising treatment for premature ejaculation using gabapentin, which increases aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain. The study suggests that gabapentin can prolong ejaculation without significant side effects, making it a potential option for men with PE.
A new study by the European Union shows that group A streptococci (GAS) infections are more common than previously thought, with an estimated 18-20,000 cases per year across the EU. The study also reveals a higher number of different bacterial types, with nearly 200 types currently identified, and potential antibiotic resistance issues.
Researchers are using genetically engineered 'mighty mice' to study the relationship between muscle and bone health. They hope to find a way to build bone and avoid osteoporosis in young people. Early evidence suggests that exercise may not have as much of an impact on bone density as previously thought.
A study using Venn diagram tactics categorizes mutation types in cells from different patients, identifying a novel cause of lethal neonatal mitochondrial complex I deficiency. The authors demonstrate the technique's strength by pinpointing mutations in the NDUFS6 gene, a previously unknown contributor to this disease.
A researcher is creating a new health program that takes into account an individual's ethnic identity to improve health outcomes for African Americans. The program, which will involve 1,000 participants categorized into five ethnic identity groups, aims to match educational materials to each person's cultural beliefs.
Researchers have developed a fruitfly model that can mimic human diabetes, offering new insights into the regulation of blood sugar levels. The study provides potential benefits for pancreatic cell transplantation and may guide the development of stem cells to produce insulin.
A study found that 9/11 search-and-rescue dogs exhibited minimal adverse medical and behavioral effects, with no significant increases in cancer or respiratory diseases. The dogs' handlers also showed similar psychological wellbeing compared to a control group.
The American Thoracic Society has published a revised statement on diagnosing nonmalignant asbestos-related diseases, which includes chronic lung disease, pleural plaques, and airway obstruction. The updated guidance also discusses the diagnosis of asbestos-related pleural disease using chest X-rays.
The National Science Foundation has funded six projects under its Ecology of Infectious Diseases program to understand the ecological and biological mechanisms behind relationships between human-induced environmental changes and infectious disease emergence. The research will focus on understanding disease transmission, unintended heal...
The European common frog has a complex breeding strategy where males engage in clutch piracy, fertilizing eggs left unfertilized after the initial encounter. This behavior leads to a greater percentage of fertilized eggs and clutches with multiple fathers.
Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers have identified hypermethylation of BRCA1 and RASSF1A genes as a potential target for detecting ovarian cancer in blood. The study found that 82% of patients with ovarian cancer had hypermethylated genes in their blood DNA, making it a promising diagnostic tool.
Stanford researchers have found that a group of brain cells release cannabinoids to quiet their own activity, regulating information processing. This discovery may lead to the development of medications that selectively bind and block cannabinoid receptors, potentially treating epilepsy and other conditions.
Researchers develop methodology to efficiently pinpoint mutations in mitochondrial respiratory chain, identifying new cause of lethal neonatal disease. The technique uses cell-fusion experiments and bioinformatics analyses to categorize mutation types, revealing complex genetic backgrounds.
A small study found that maggot-treated wounds had a significantly lower infection rate compared to untreated wounds. Maggots' unique properties make them an effective treatment option for preventing post-operative wound infections.
A study at Duke University Medical Center discovered the cln3 protein transports a vital lipid that is essential for normal cell function. The breakdown of this system leads to uncontrolled apoptosis in Batten disease, but the protein also plays a role in cancer, Alzheimer's, and AIDS.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a primordial pancreas in fruit flies that produces both insulin and glucagon, two hormones crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs for treating diabetes.
The completed sequence of human chromosome 5 reveals 66 known disease genes and 14 additional genes linked to diseases. The vast terrain also holds important regulatory elements and conserved noncoding regions with powerful influence on gene activity.
Researchers found that combining histone deacetylase inhibitors with anti-angiogenesis drugs reduced tumor growth in mice by up to 85% and controlled new blood vessel formation by 60%. This combination therapy may provide a greater impact on cancer development than using the drugs alone.
A U-M study found that remarriages with similar marital histories can be detrimental to the new relationship, draining emotional and financial resources. This phenomenon, known as