A recent study has identified Wunen2 as a crucial guidance molecule in Drosophila germ cell migration, requiring maternal activity to sustain pole cells during migration. The research suggests a new paradigm for explaining the function of lipid phosphate phosphatases in developmental processes.
Researchers have developed core/shell nanogels that can target cancer cells using folic acid, a nutrient that cancer cells absorb more than healthy cells. The nanoparticles can be heated to kill cancer cells, but applying targeted heat sources like ultrasound can spare healthy cells.
A study found that patients who received liver transplants from living donors are more likely to experience severe Hepatitis C recurrence. The research, led by Xavier Forns, investigated the effect of donor life status on HCV patient outcomes and discovered a significant association between living donor transplantation and severe disea...
Scientists uncover vital role of Periaxin gene in causing CMT, a disabling disease affecting 23,000 people in the UK. The new research provides insight into how nerves work and may lead to development of gene therapies to correct faulty genes.
The USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Alert System tracks the spread of invasive aquatic species across the US. The system allows users to report sightings, receive automatic alerts, and search for specific species.
A recent UK study published in The Lancet has found no association between the MMR vaccine and the development of autism or pervasive developmental disorders. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 cases and 4,469 controls, concluding that vaccination did not increase the risk of these conditions.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new class of self-assembling designer molecules that mimic nature's system of organizing living tissue. These molecules can be programmed and exhibit a rich phase behavior, making them suitable for applications in batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells.
Researchers present novel therapeutic approaches to treat IBD by targeting adhesion molecules, platelet recruitment, and CTLA-4-Ig. These approaches show promise in reducing intestinal inflammation and promoting tolerance in experimental models.
Primary-care research is criticized for its weakness, but experts argue that reliable evidence is needed to support clinical practice. Effective primary care research influences clinical practice and improves healthcare. Improved investment in high-quality research is necessary to attract top researchers.
Researchers have discovered that a mutant gene's failure to convert vitamin A into retinoic acid leads to colon cancer. Introducing retinoids may prevent or control the growth of colon cells, offering new avenues for therapy development.
An international team of scientists has successfully tested an integrated Mars life-detection strategy, finding evidence of even a single-cell organism. The experiment used specially adapted instruments to identify organic and mineralogical markers in Arctic hot springs, which resemble Martian environments.
The National Agricultural Biosecurity Center is developing content and software to help emergency management personnel respond effectively to agricultural or zoonotic bioterrorist events. The project aims to create an integrated system accessible via the Internet, providing veterinarians, county extension agents, and others with access...
Researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science have produced the most detailed 3-D representation of the spliceosome's structure to date. The study reveals the spliceosome has two distinct halves surrounding a tunnel, with the larger part containing proteins and RNA segments.
A recent study has found that the extinction of a host species can lead to the loss of up to 200 associated species, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts. The researchers calculated the expected levels of co-extinction across diverse systems and identified 6300 species at risk of being classified as co-endangered.
The bacteria sequester methane and turn it into methyl alcohol using methanobactin, a tiny pyramid-shaped compound with a cleft that holds a single atom of copper. Methanobactin serves to keep copper under control and protect the bacterial cells from its toxicity.
Researchers at Yale University have successfully created an artificial molecule on a chip, shrinking experimental apparatus to a tiny size. The achievement improves coupling between resonator and atom by a factor of 1000, paving the way for exploring fundamental interactions of light and matter.
A cluster-randomised trial in Nepal found that women's groups addressing childbirth and care issues led to a 26.2 per 1000 neonatal mortality rate, compared to 36.9 in control clusters. The intervention also reduced maternal mortality by 80%.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that reducing allergens and tobacco smoke in the home can significantly reduce asthma symptoms in African-American and Hispanic children. The research involved over 900 children aged 5-11, who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group.
A study by James L. Repace found that ventilation in bars and casinos does not control health risks for hospitality workers. After Delaware's smoking ban took effect, air quality levels improved dramatically, with respirable particulate pollution and carcinogenic pollutants eliminated.
Researchers found that two prokaryotes merged to form the first eukaryote, creating a 'ring of life' that has significant implications for all multicellular forms of life. The study sheds light on the origins of eukaryotes and their genetic background.
A new class of compounds has been discovered to mimic the function of a protein called Smac, which promotes apoptosis in cancer cells. The compounds, known as Compound 3, were found to be effective at extremely low concentrations and showed potential as an anti-cancer therapy.
A study found that depressed patients experience less improvement in physical symptoms than emotional symptoms during antidepressant therapy. Physical symptoms often plateau after the initial month of treatment, emphasizing the importance of considering additional therapies.
The Institute for Molecular Biophysics has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant to acquire the world's first 4Pi nanoscale microscope in the US. This cutting-edge technology will enable researchers to study genes and chromosomes at unprecedented resolution, shedding light on disease mechanisms and developing new treatments.
Researchers analyzed the same children's respiratory health at age 18, when lungs are almost completely mature, and found nearly five times more likely to have clinically low lung function in smoggy communities compared to low-pollution sites.
A National Institutes of Health study found that reducing indoor allergens in the home significantly improves asthma symptoms in inner-city children. By targeting common allergens like dust mites, cockroaches, and tobacco smoke, researchers helped alleviate symptoms comparable to those achieved with asthma inhalers.
Research suggests that big telecom firms are cornering the broadband market by buying up ISPs, offering broadband services, and providing scale advantages. Despite this, some independent ISPs have survived by specializing in value-added services.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that air pollution can significantly reduce lung function in children between ages 10 and 18. Researchers tracked air pollutant levels in Southern California communities and found a correlation between poor air quality and decreased forced expiratory volume.
A recent genetic analysis found a viral strain linked to the decline of amphibian populations in the US, which may have been introduced through live bait and infected salamanders. The study suggests that emerging diseases are having a major effect on ecosystems globally.
A new cancer drug, SAHA, has shown potential in reducing kidney disease in lupus patients by inhibiting the onset of lupus-related kidney disease and decreasing spleen size. Further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and understand its anti-inflammatory properties.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a method to exploit spin noise in magnetic atoms to perform detailed magnetic resonance imaging. By using laser-based Faraday rotation, the scientists measured the spectrum of spin noise in rubidium and potassium atoms, revealing their complete magnetic structure.
A recent study found that popular magazines rarely provide in-depth information on prostate and colon cancer screening. Key points such as risk factors, early screening benefits, and potential harms are often missing from magazine articles. This lack of information may contribute to the public's misperception about cancer risks.
A new technique using spectral imaging allows doctors to detect and chart eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma with high accuracy. The method uses liquid crystal tuneable filters and cooled digital cameras to take images at specific wavelengths, revealing the oxygenation state of blood vessels in the eye.
Researchers analyzed and compared the genomes of 30 microorganisms, finding that two ancient prokaryotes combined their genomes to form the first eukaryote. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary pathways of life, suggesting a 'ring of life' where eukaryotes originated from bacterial and extreme-microbe ancestors.
A growing body of evidence suggests that exposure to artificial light at night (LAN) may contribute to the rising incidence of childhood leukaemia. Researchers will discuss the potential mechanisms behind this association, including the role of melatonin suppression and its link to cancer initiation.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have discovered a new protein that plays a key role in cancer progression. The study found that the loss of PML function disrupts TGF-b signaling, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor development.
The NGRIP ice core project has uncovered a detailed record of North Greenland's climate history, revealing stable temperatures during the Eemian period and a slow transition to the glacial period. The study also suggests significant temperature jumps in recent times, with evidence of abrupt climate shifts over human lifetimes.
A study found that a customized environmental intervention reduced asthma symptoms in children by 21 days per year, with rapid improvements starting just 2 months after the program began. The program, which included measures to reduce allergens and tobacco smoke, was more effective than previous studies.
Researchers found a large body of water, comparable to the Baltic Sea or all Great Lakes combined, near the NASA Opportunity rover's landing site on Mars. The study suggests that the ancient sea was present for an extended period and must have been deep enough to build up sediments roughly one-third of a mile deep.
Researchers discovered strong evidence for natural selection at eight genes in European-American populations, likely related to environmental conditions. The study found connections between genetic variation and diseases such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and Alzheimer's.
A new genetic hypothesis proposes that most cases of autism can be explained by a complex model for genetic malfunction, involving both inherited and de novo genetic factors. The study suggests epigenetic components, including genetic imprinting, play a major role in the etiology of autism.
The study found that even insured individuals recognize and are willing to accept tradeoffs between having more generous benefits and having coverage for all. Insured citizens deliberated on this issue, voicing sophisticated arguments for and against giving up some of their benefits to include the uninsured.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a miniaturized superconducting cavity that enables quantum optics experiments on a microchip. The system allows for rapid exchange of energy between photons and atoms, demonstrating the potential for faster computing with quantum qubits.
The Cairo Conference's 20-year plan for reproductive health is under threat from conservative and liberal ideological battles, international funding shortfalls, and the HIV pandemic. The situation has resulted in 60 million unwanted pregnancies, 19 million unsafe abortions, and half a million maternal deaths annually.
Researchers at Boston University found that rats use recollection to recognize items they've recently experienced. The hippocampus plays a critical role in this process, similar to its function in humans. By studying rat brain activity, the team discovered evidence of both familiarity and recollection in rodents.
Researchers estimate that a neutron star is about 1.8 times as massive as the sun with a radius of about 7 miles, sparking interest in its equation of state and superfluid properties. The findings rule out free quarks and provide insights into the density-pressure relationship within the star.
Professor Jim Hough of the University of Glasgow believes that gravitational waves will be detected in the near future due to advancements in instrument technology. The UK's GEO 600 device has shown promising results, and its innovations are being considered by LIGO for implementation.
The report emphasizes the need for improved network-centric operations to enhance port security and reduce the terrorist threat. It recommends establishing a 'testbed' in the Port Authority to develop an architecture and communications backbone, along with measures to deter, prevent, and respond to terror-based attacks.
The ICMJE editors announce that major medical journals will require registration of clinical trials prior to patient enrollment, aiming for full transparency and accessibility. This policy applies to any clinical trial starting after July 1, 2005, and encourages other biomedical journals to adopt similar policies.
A study by Penn State researchers found a cluster of four genes that appear to be heavily selected in the European-American population, suggesting adaptation to new environmental pressures. In contrast, the African-American population shows signs of natural selection for milk tolerance due to changes in TRPV6 and TRPV5 genes.
Researchers found that a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and protein sources like beef and beans can lower the risk of childhood leukemia. Glutathione, an antioxidant found in these foods, plays a key role in reducing cancer risk.
Two studies found that news media reports can shape readers' beliefs about sex differences, with conservatives more likely to attribute differences to biology. Readers tend to trust information from science reporting more than biased sources.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have found that Sonic Hedgehog and Gli-1 proteins delivered to lab rats via a genetically engineered virus prevented progressive nerve cell loss in the brain. This study may lead to a new way to treat patients with advanced Parkinson's Disease.
A new portable device called the Newton TM has been developed to detect glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. The device is more accurate than previous models and can be used in various positions, making it ideal for early detection and treatment.
Researchers found that El Nino climate changes contribute to Antarctic cooling through atmospheric circulation shifts. Deep-sea islands stir and fertilize the upper ocean by mixing cold waters with the surface layer, while Siberian forest fires produced hazardous air pollution in western North America.
A new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center shows the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine significantly decreases illnesses in children under 2 years old. The vaccine has been found to reduce ear infections and pneumonia cases by 7% and 17%, respectively, resulting in fewer doctor visits and cost savings.
Research suggests that increased physical activity is a crucial factor in preventing cardiovascular risk, regardless of body weight. Women with moderate to high levels of physical fitness had significantly greater event-free survival compared to those with low activity scores.
The chicken pox vaccine has resulted in a 74% decrease in national hospital discharges for the disease, saving $100 million annually. Herd immunity also protects unvaccinated individuals, leading to lower hospital costs among teens and adults.
Research on hepatitis C patients after liver transplantation found that 10-year outcomes are similar to those for other indications, but risk of recurrence and failure increases over time. Factors such as donor and recipient age, viral load, and CMV antibodies can predict transplant success.
A new study by the Economic & Social Research Council found that a moral judgment played a crucial role in shaping public opinion on the Iraq War, with nearly two-thirds of variation in approval or disapproval attributed to factors such as rational analysis of British interests, moral judgement, and political identity. The study also s...
Researchers found that first-degree relatives of infants with severe heart abnormalities, including bicuspid aortic valve, have a fivefold increased risk of having the condition. The study suggests that these relatives should be screened by a cardiologist for progressive heart disease.