A new Standard Reference Material from NIST will help clinical genetics labs accurately count fragile-X repeat sequences. The SRM 2399 consists of nine DNA samples with triplet repeats ranging from 20 to 118, ensuring quality control and check on test procedures.
Researchers analyzed viral RNA from 39 couples in a long-term HIV study to identify variations of the virus that were transmitted during sex. The findings showed distinct patterns in HIV-1 variant diversity for male-to-female versus female-to-male transmission.
A comprehensive review of subway systems reveals potential for health and safety hazards, including terrorism, transmission of infectious diseases, and high noise levels. The study highlights the need for risk assessment studies to mitigate these risks and improve subway safety.
Researchers will conduct detailed measurements and analysis of contaminants in building plumbing systems to inform effective responses to contamination incidents. The study's findings will support the development of EPA guidelines for protecting drinking water supplies within buildings.
The 21st-century model of healthcare focuses on the family before and after genetic testing, clustering genomic disorders based on similar patterns of psychosocial demands. This approach incorporates key disease variables to inform effective treatment interventions.
The Lancet report highlights the 'silent humanitarian crisis' of 3900 children dying daily from inadequate sanitation and safe drinking water. The authors recommend scaling up efforts to expand coverage by 2015 without significant financial investment or technological breakthroughs.
A recent study of 1,323 women reveals a significant gap in osteoporosis treatment based on fracture history. Women with past fractures are at a higher risk of future osteoporosis, emphasizing the importance of considering fracture history in treatment decisions.
Fuel cells could power laptops for a week, reducing recharging time, and provide efficient energy for cars, buses, and mobile devices. UNC researchers are developing liquid precursors to enhance PEM membrane performance, paving the way for more effective fuel cell manufacturing.
Vaccination of healthy children in the US and Canada shows limited efficacy in reducing disease spread, hospitalizations, and complications. The study's findings suggest that immunization of very young children does not support a reduction in mortality and community transmission.
The new test structures provide a wider range of reference feature sizes and are measured more precisely than previously available materials. Industry can use these reference materials to calibrate tools to reliably measure microprocessor-device gates.
A study of 294 injection drug users found that those who had injected for over two years were two and a half times more likely to access syringes from safe sources. Safe injection and disposal practices were not associated with HIV, hepatitis C, or syringe sharing.
Countries like Canada, USA, Australia, and New Zealand have adopted stringent policies for compulsory screening of new entrants for TB and HIV. However, UK public inquiry concluded that such a policy would not be effective at protecting public health.
Scientists observed a breakdown in neuronal transport, leading to abnormal protein buildup and neuron failure. The study suggests that impaired axonal transport may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease.
A novel self-replicating microorganism, nanobacteria, has been linked to kidney stone formation in astronauts and may pose an infectious risk. The discovery provides additional clues to understanding the link between nanobacteria and pathologic calcification-related diseases.
Shigella bacteria uses a Type III secretion system to inject proteins into human cells, causing inflammation and symptoms of dysentery. The bacteria's lipopolysaccharide (LPS) shield protects it from being destroyed by the immune system.
A Penn study will compare two heart failure management technologies to reduce emergency room visits and improve patient outcomes. The study aims to assess the impact of health information technologies on clinical and financial outcomes for patients with symptomatic heart failure.
Researchers at UT Southwestern will investigate the consequences of space radiation exposure on human health, with a focus on lung cancer and its prevention. The $9.8 million grant will enable the development of new cell systems and animal models to study high-energy particles in space.
Hopkins researchers identify NKCC1 as key player in maintaining high chloride levels in odor-detecting cells. The same transporter facilitates secretion of digestive juices and communication between the nose and brain. This finding sheds light on how our bodies process smells and could lead to new understanding of neurological functions.
Researchers have elucidated the structure of gp120 before its shape change, providing crucial insights into how the protein binds to the CD4 receptor and enables HIV membrane fusion. This knowledge may lead to the development of new compounds that inhibit this shape change, offering a promising route for HIV treatment and prevention.
Researchers found that Pax3 plays dual roles in adult stem cells, directing them to become melanocytes while preventing complete differentiation. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding stem cell biology and its potential role in cancer development.
UC Berkeley researchers developed a mathematical model of the brain's electrical activity during seizures, which may aid in understanding and treating epilepsy. The model, compared with real-world data from electrodes implanted in a patient, suggests that strong coherent waves of electrical activity are responsible for seizure spread.
The study shows that blocking CK2 activity makes cancer cells sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, a promising strategy for treating colorectal cancer and other solid tumors. Researchers used a CK2-inhibitor or short hairpin RNA to block CK2 activity, sensitizing cancer cells to TRAIL and inducing cell death.
A California university study found that improved infrastructure around schools increases walking and biking habits in kids, contrary to a decades-long trend of decreased physical activity. Parents report their children are three times more likely to walk or bike to school near such improvements.
Astronomers have detected an invisible galaxy made mostly of dark matter for the first time using radio telescopes. The discovery was made by a British-led team and confirmed with the Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico.
Researchers resolve global atmospheric circulation and cumulus convection issues using new modeling approaches. Volcanologists examine relationships between magma movement and fault orientation to better understand earthquake locations. Coral analysis reveals correlation between Indian Ocean sea surface temperature changes and El Nino ...
Researchers have discovered that the George VI Ice Shelf experienced a significant retreat around 9,500 years ago, driven by changes in ocean currents. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that rising air temperatures are the primary cause of ice shelf collapse.
Researchers have developed an MRI approach using shutter speed analysis, which provides more accurate information on breast cancer detection. This method distinguishes between malignant and benign tumors, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Recent research in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) identifies genetic and protein markers that can predict patient outcomes. These new markers may enable earlier treatment, improving survival rates and altering the disease's progression.
Researchers at Rice University and Georgia Institute of Technology developed bimetallic nanoparticles that can break down TCE, a toxic organic pollutant found in US groundwater. The particles increase the efficiency of TCE remediation by several orders of magnitude compared to bulk catalysts.
A new study by Kari Lerum examines the impact of sexual banter and power dynamics in three restaurant settings. She found that within certain cultural and organizational contexts, these encounters can help create a sense of belonging and empower workers to have control over their working conditions.
Bidding frenzy, a mental state characterized by high arousal and competition, causes consumers to value auctioned products more highly. The study found that English auctions, where bidders compete directly, lead to higher values due to dynamic interaction with publicly available high bids.
Researchers found a 7ºC temperature difference causing more evaporation and snowfall, leading to ice accumulation. This discovery helps improve climate models, shedding light on the ocean's role in climate change.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treatment with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) significantly reduces bleeding in brain, decreases mortality by nearly 40%, and reduces long-term disability for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The study showed a significant improvement in cli...
Researchers at Purdue University have identified a plant protein complex that triggers cellular growth and development, similar to animal development. The discovery opens new avenues for understanding plant growth and potentially designing plants with enhanced protection against insects and disease.
Scientists have discovered that termites use vibrations to determine suitable food sources, a finding that could lead to new methods for reducing termite damage. The study also reveals the 'cocktail party effect' of signal processing, where termites can distinguish between signals from other termites and artificial signals.
New cartilage repair techniques have been shown to improve knee function and reduce pain in patients. Studies using osteochondral allografts and microfracture procedures resulted in better outcomes, including increased knee function and reduced pain, after a minimum of two years.
A UK study found that only 5% of internet users visited the House of Commons website in the past year, while 40% visit news and current affairs websites. The telephone remains the preferred method for conveying views to MPs, with e-mail gaining popularity among younger generations.
A new study reveals that Mcl-1 protein is essential for the survival of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which can contribute to poor leukemia outcomes. The research suggests that interfering with this protein may improve leukemia treatment options.
A recent study reveals that cancer cells can develop resistance to gefitinib by mutating the EGFR gene, altering the drug's binding pocket and rendering it ineffective. This finding could lead to the development of new targeted therapies to treat non-small cell lung cancer.
Researchers have successfully regenerated the optic nerve in mice using a combination of techniques that prevent the formation of scar tissue. The study, led by Dr. Chen, shows promise for treating eye injuries and potentially improving outcomes for patients with glaucoma and spinal cord damage.
The E. histolytica genome sequence shows a degraded core genome with retained and expanded gene families characteristic of more complex organisms. This study provides insights into the amoeba's unusual shared biology with anaerobic gut bacteria, shedding light on its metabolic processes and potential drug targets.
Researchers found that small sections of the ocean floor may be rotating like imperfectly meshing cogs, contradicting previous expectations. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution of complex plate boundaries and has significant implications for our understanding of plate tectonics.
A plant derivative called parthenolide selectively kills leukemia stem cells while sparing normal cells, offering a promising new therapy for leukemia. This breakthrough research identifies molecular pathways that allow parthenolide to induce cancer cell death.
As we age, our brain's ability to filter out background noise and sort information affects our hearing. Researchers have found a 'feedback' problem in the brain that diminishes our ability to hear, particularly in older adults who experience age-related hearing loss.
A randomized trial found that 3-day regimens of amoxicillin-clavulanate were less effective than ciprofloxacin in treating acute uncomplicated cystitis in women. Amoxicillin-clavulanate was also less effective among susceptible bacterial strains, highlighting the need for alternative treatments.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have identified an antibody called 4E10 that can neutralize nearly 100 different HIV strains. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a more effective HIV vaccine by targeting this specific epitope.
A recent study analyzed 231 articles on weight loss studies, revealing inadequate reporting of subject characteristics. The findings show that 92% of studies missed medication use, 34% ignored health status, and 86% failed to indicate ethnicity.
Researchers analyzed data from a three-year study in rural Zimbabwe and found no correlation between contaminated needle use and increased HIV transmission. The study collected data from over 1,800 participants and excluded injections as a major transmission route.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding diabetic nephropathy by identifying CD36 as the probable trigger of kidney disease in diabetics. High glucose levels cause a change on the surface of cells, triggering the production of CD36, which leads to kidney cell death.
A large clinical trial found that menopausal hormone therapy increased the incidence of urinary incontinence, particularly stress UI, and worsened its characteristics among symptomatic women. The study suggests that MHT should be reevaluated as a treatment option for UI.
A recent study by Dr. Susan Harkness found that despite increased employment rates for mothers with pre-school children, women continue to face unequal working hours and household responsibilities, leading to increased time pressures and decreased earning power.
A study found that bipolar disorder is prevalent among patients in an urban primary care clinic, with 9.8% screening positive for the condition. Patients who screened positive reported worse health-related quality of life and social impairment compared to those who did not screen positive.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that plants respond similarly to signals from both beneficial rhizobia and parasitic root-knot nematodes. This response involves rapid changes in the distribution of the plant's cytoskeleton, leading to growth changes such as nodules or galls.
A frozen sea was discovered near the Martian equator using 3D images from the Mars Express probe, revealing a vast area of ice that may have been home to primitive life. The find is significant as it suggests that liquid water on Mars existed for thousands of millions of years, providing a possible habitat for life.
Researchers found significantly higher risks of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma among HCV patients in Sweden. The risk increases with the duration of HCV infection, suggesting that long-lasting infection may contribute to cancer development.
Researchers found high levels of perchlorate in breast milk across the US, correlating with low iodide levels that can inhibit thyroid function. The study suggests revising recommended daily intake of iodine for pregnant and nursing women.
High-intensity ultrasound is used to generate nanoparticles of molybdenum disulfide or oxide, which bind to tiny silica spheres. Hollow shells are then created by etching away the silica, resulting in nanospheres with increased edge-surface area for enhanced catalytic activity.
Researchers have successfully replicated the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a laboratory setting using a new in vitro model system. The system allows for the study of HCV therapeutics and the entire virus life cycle, including replication, assembly, and release from host cells.
A study at Binghamton University investigates how instruction can enhance people's response to hypnotic suggestions, with the goal of making hypnosis a more effective tool for managing anxiety and promoting positive changes. The research also explores the link between mindfulness and hypnotic responsiveness.
A team of researchers designed a protective structure to reduce tractor rollover accidents, resulting in improved agricultural worker safety. The 'Estrema' programme calculates necessary structures for various types of tractors, with enhanced models approved for use in the agricultural sector.