Saba Valadkhan, an Iranian-born scientist, has solved the 20-year mystery of splicing catalysis by proving that purified U2 and U6 snRNAs have catalytic activity. Her discovery has implications for understanding cell growth control, differentiation, and disease.
Researchers found that children of working mothers with nonstandard schedules performed worse on cognitive tests, despite controlling for environmental factors. The type of care children receive during these hours may be a key factor in this effect.
Researchers isolated compounds from whale blubber and used radiocarbon analysis to determine their source. The findings suggest that natural products also accumulate in animals, challenging the assumption that only industrial compounds do so.
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) funded a 10-year project to determine the shapes of proteins found in nature. The pilot phase yielded over 1,000 protein structures, transforming structure determination from manual to highly automated processes.
A novel sensor has been developed to measure tiny changes in cell volume, providing real-time results for antibiotic sensitivity testing. The technology, known as 'cell volume cytometry,' is highly sensitive and can detect changes in cell dimensions never seen before in living cells.
Researchers found that preschoolers' motivation and temperament are crucial factors in developing attention skills. Children who prefer challenging puzzles exhibit better attention, suggesting screening tests should consider additional factors beyond cognitive ability.
Researchers found that chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells are born at a fast rate but die, leading to a slow rise in cell count over time due to variable birth and death rates. This dynamic interplay between CLL cell division and cell death may enable physicians to predict disease progression.
Scripps scientists challenge conventional theory on seamount chain formation by finding that hot spot chains can change direction due to processes unrelated to plate motion. The study provides new insights into the dynamics of the earth's interior and suggests alternative explanations for seamount patterns.
Scientists uncover how multi-walled carbon nanotubes are formed inside glass-coated liquid carbon via the pure carbon arc method. The research team discovered that carbon crystals form inside drops of glassy liquid carbon, which cool at a faster rate than the surrounding nanotube, resulting in a glassy appearance.
Researchers found that children are more likely to disagree with biasing questions than non-biasing ones. Children who have already agreed with a question tend to continue agreeing, while those who disagreed may be asked more biased follow-up questions.
A study by Kalil A and Ziol-Guest KM found that single mothers' employment dynamics impact their adolescents' sense of self-efficacy, self-esteem, and educational progress. Adolescents whose mothers were stably employed in higher-wage jobs showed better outcomes compared to those with unstable or low-wage employment.
Researchers at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University have identified two variants in the perilipin gene associated with increased obesity risk in white women. Vitamin B12 deficiency has also been linked to lower bone mineral density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Researchers designed a nanometer-thin crystal of tin oxide to detect single molecules of nerve gas sarin. The sensor's high sensitivity and stability make it ideal for future applications.
A two-year study of 127 families found that children's behavioral problems lead to increased parental conflict and vice versa. The researchers identified differences in sibling experiences within stepfamilies, suggesting that each child evokes unique responses from parents.
Medical students learn to make difficult decisions with uncertainty, but also need to articulate their reasons. A new training approach helps doctors reason ethically and balance patient autonomy with societal obligations.
Researchers using 'heavy water' tracked leukemia cell birth and death rates, revealing dynamic process with mortal cells that proliferate and die. The study found faster birth rates of leukemia cells correlate with poorer patient outcomes, paving the way for potential new methods of prediction and treatment guidance.
Researchers at VIB have discovered a way to prevent E. coli bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary tract, potentially leading to a new treatment for chronic urinary tract infections. By targeting the protein Adhesine FimH on the bacteria's pili, a new medication could be developed to combat this widespread problem.
A new study by Kidwell found that patterns in the fossil record of marine bivalves are not dictated by differences in shell toughness. The study suggests that variations in shell composition may even favor organisms with less durable shells, adding to our understanding of evolutionary history.
Researchers have developed an efficient new strategy to synthesize a natural marine product with promising anti-tuberculosis activity, overcoming challenges of conventional chemistry. The breakthrough enables the production of gram quantities in just days, paving the way for developing potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents.
A new study found that a once-daily treatment of the antibiotic tobramycin is effective in treating cystic fibrosis patients, particularly in reducing kidney-related side effects. The trial recruited 219 patients and showed similar results in both children and adults.
Researchers found that CLL cells divide at a fast rate and their production is variable, leading to fluctuations in disease activity. This dynamic interplay between cell division and death rates challenges the long-held view of CLL as an accumulative disorder.
Research suggests that young children may understand word use more flexibly than previously thought, learning words through simple games and routines. Children as young as 9 months old can learn and apply new words in a decontextualized manner.
Researchers found that magnesium treatment delayed labor long enough for steroid therapy to work in about half the cases, reducing repeat preterm labor risk. Babies born after 34 weeks showed better health outcomes, with most doing well despite preterm delivery.
A new study found a significant link between self-mutilation and risky sexual behavior in adolescents, with white females being disproportionately represented among self-cutters. The research suggests that the underlying psychological problem of lack of self-restraint may be driving both behaviors.
A study published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reveals that metabolic profiling can accurately identify patients at risk for preterm delivery. The method has shown a high degree of accuracy in identifying patients across different clinical groups, offering new hope for predicting the course of preterm labor.
Researchers found a defect in quantum dot creation that hinders scientific experimentation and propose tweaking light beam or pulse duration to overcome the issue. The study also sheds light on controlling electron spin, potentially leading to faster electronic devices.
Researchers discovered high levels of airborne mouse allergen in inner-city homes, increasing the risk of asthma symptoms and attacks in children. To control this allergen, parents can seal cracks and holes, dispose of food remains, and have pest exterminators treat their home.
Researchers have discovered that most C. atratus workers can glide back to their home tree after falling, a behavior crucial for survival in the high-risk tropical forest canopy. The ants use visual orientation and mechanisms to change direction and maintain a steady glide path through the air.
Researchers have identified two genomic regions associated with hypertension in African Americans, which can help locate genes affecting the condition. The study uses a genome-wide scan to compare genetic variations between African and European populations.
The 2004 global average temperature was 0.48 degrees Celsius above the 1951-1980 baseline, making it the fourth warmest year on record. Human-made pollutants play a significant role in climate change, with Earth's surface absorbing more solar energy than reflected back to space.
Researchers found that involuntary attention improves performance in simple, early visual processing tasks by increasing neural activity in areas of the brain responding to attended stimuli. The study used fMRI to map brain activity while observers performed a task with cues to attract their attention.
A new study recommends expanding routine HIV screening to settings with low prevalence rates due to its cost-effectiveness. The study found that even at low prevalence levels, regular testing can provide important health benefits. Additionally, the researchers suggest that screenings should be expanded to reduce the transmission of the...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered 'broken heart' syndrome, a condition where emotional stress triggers severe but reversible heart muscle weakness. The study found that patients experienced rapid improvement in heart function within days and complete recovery within two weeks.
Neurobiologists studying finch brains found a crucial learning circuit that generates trial and error necessary for mastering sophisticated motor skills. The region, LMAN, tunes song variations by introducing different pitches and frequencies, allowing birds to improvise and learn.
In a unique mating ritual, cricket males offer their wings to females during copulation. This 'love bite' keeps the female occupied while the male transfers sperm, gaining a temporary advantage in the mating process.
Researchers developed a nanomechanical oscillator that bridges classic and quantum physics, exhibiting macroscopic quantum behavior at gigahertz speeds. The device is the fastest of its kind, oscillating at 1.49 gigahertz, and could be used for quantum computing, further miniaturizing wireless communication devices.
A team of Hamilton College undergraduates, led by Dr. Domack, embarked on a three-year expedition to study the paleohistory of the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica. The research aims to understand the response of the Antarctic Peninsula to modern warming and its impact on the environment.
Routine HIV screening every three to five years is cost-effective in the US, according to Yale researchers. Frequent screening in high-risk populations could produce life expectancy gains at comparable costs to other chronic condition screenings.
Research reveals that environmental interventions, such as no-smoking zones and smoke-free policies, can significantly reduce tobacco use among college students. The study also highlights the importance of campus resources, including residence advisors and student health centers, in supporting anti-tobacco efforts.
A new study suggests that natural climate change may be more significant than previously thought, with a notable cold period in the 17th century and similarities between historical reconstructions and computer simulations. The findings highlight the importance of considering natural variability in future climate scenarios.
A new species of coral, Christmas Tree Coral (Antipathes dendrochristos), has been discovered in deep waters off southern California. The coral grows up to two meters tall and was first noticed during dives for rockfish surveys.
The UCSD team identified isl1+ cardiac progenitor cells in newborn rats and mice, as well as in human heart tissue, which can spontaneously form heart muscle tissue. The discovery raises the possibility of using these cells to correct a wide spectrum of pediatric cardiac diseases.
Researchers discovered that gliding ants, like Cephalotes atratus, can land on tree trunks and climb back up, with 85% success rate. The ants' ability to change direction mid-air is still a mystery, but it's likely due to their unique morphology, including flattened hind legs and head flanges.
A review of federal, state, and local gun laws found no conclusive evidence that these laws reduce gun-related deaths or violent crimes. Poor data, underreporting, and jurisdictional issues hindered the research, leading to a lack of knowledge about the effectiveness of current laws.
Simulations show that growing black holes release a blast of energy, powering strong winds that prevent material from falling in, inhibiting further growth. This process links black hole mass to the total mass of stars in galaxies, explaining observed phenomena and promising deeper insights into galaxy formation.
A study published in NeuroToxicology reveals that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and low levels of maneb, a fungicide, can disrupt dopamine neurons and oxidative stress responses in the brain. This research aims to better understand Parkinson's disease and develop therapies to prevent or slow its progression.
A Stanford study found that early HIV screening reduces annual transmission by 21% and lengthens life by 1.5 years for those with HIV infection. Routine screenings are cost-effective compared to other commonly accepted programs, suggesting expanded HIV counseling, testing, and referral in the US.
A new leukemia drug treatment has shown promise for MDS patients with 5q minus syndrome, becoming transfusion independent in 91% of cases. The defective chromosome abnormality may be linked to other serious cancers, including leukemias and small cell lung cancer.
A new study has created a cancer-killing compound that selectively targets leukemia cells, while sparing normal cells. The compound, derived from the wormwood plant, works by exploiting the unique iron needs of cancer cells.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has awarded 6 minority researchers to attend cancer conferences in 2005. The awards allowed early career scientists from underrepresented groups to attend the conferences, providing them with opportunities to share new discoveries and advance their careers.
Dr. Walsh will focus on his research on nonribosomal peptide synthetases, which biosynthesize a variety of biologically active peptides. He will discuss the molecular logic of enzymatic assembly lines and tailoring enzymes that modify the peptides.
A new stroke-prevention drug, Exanta, has been shown to reduce the risk of major hemorrhage by 26% and is equivalent to warfarin in preventing strokes. However, its high price makes it cost-ineffective for most patients at low risk of bleeding, except those with a high risk of both stroke and bleeding.
Researchers reconstructed climatic conditions in western Egypt 130,000 years ago, finding a humid event that supported human presence and wildlife. The study provides new insights into the dispersal of humans out of Africa and the impact of climate change on ancient societies.
The Pall Leukotrap Affinity Prion Reduction Filter reduces leukocytes and prions by 99%, making it effective against vCJD. The filter also preserves red cells without compromising their efficacy or purity.
Scientists prevented brain damage by producing therapeutic levels of GDNF, a protein that helps nourish brain cells, in small monkeys. The gene therapy approach aims to halt Parkinson's disease at its onset and treat devastating side effects.
The study reveals that Iraqi Turkmen are a well-educated population with high socio-economic circumstances, contributing to forced migration. The report emphasizes the importance of Turkmen participation in Iraq's reconstruction and suggests their valuable human resource can aid in rebuilding efforts.
Patients with cancer have a significantly increased risk of developing venous thrombosis, with the risk highest in the first few months after diagnosis. The study found that patients with hematological, lung, or gastrointestinal cancers had a higher risk compared to those without cancer.
Researchers discover a novel mechanism of heterosis in naturally occurring plant populations. Human actions inadvertently favor heterozygous volunteers, leading to the persistence of high heterozygosity despite inbreeding.
Researchers from Newcastle University and Denmark found that the natural pesticide falcarinol in carrots reduced cancer risk in rats. The study suggests that eating one small carrot daily could benefit consumers' health, with potential recommendations for growers.
Researchers compared yeast, worm, and fly proteins and found conserved communication pathways and protein clusters involved in essential cellular functions. The study supports the concept of a basic wiring diagram for all eukaryotic cells and may lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.