Scientists at The Institute for Genomic Research have sequenced the genome of Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that can cause human infections. The 28 Mb genome consists of 8 chromosomes with over 10,000 genes, which researchers are now searching to identify unique virulence factors.
The CYPHER Stent showed reduced restenosis and TLR rates compared to the Taxus stent. Exponential growth in 2005, driven by positive trial results, solidified its position as the leading drug-eluting stent globally.
Psychologists at the University of Liverpool found that people believe they can see themselves even before they are level with the near edge of a mirror. Participants failed to recognize that the image on the surface of a mirror is half the size of the observer due to its midpoint between them and the reflected image.
Researchers have discovered a unique architecture of the Duffy-Binding Like (DBL) domain that allows the malaria parasite to bind to red blood cells. This finding may lead to the development of specific drugs that can target the parasite without affecting healthy blood cells.
Research confirms that individuals with a specific PTPN22 polymorphism are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, with anti-CCP antibodies also playing a key role. The combination of these factors strongly predicts the onset of RA with a specificity of 100% for the disease.
An international team of scientists has completed the genomic sequences of three Aspergillus species, including Aspergillus nidulans, A. oryzae, and A. fumigatus. The comparative analysis reveals that both A. oryzae and A. fumigatus have the genetic potential for sexual reproduction, despite being previously thought to be asexual.
Researchers used high-tech brain imaging and measurement of beta-amyloid protein fragments in cerebrospinal fluid to detect Alzheimer's disease. The study found that greater amounts of beta-amyloid containing plaques were associated with lower levels of amyloid-beta 1-42, a major component of amyloid plaques.
A new U. of Colorado study challenges previous findings on Mars' Meridiani Planum region, suggesting it was more geologically similar to volcanic regions in North America or Europe. The research proposes that the region's chemical composition was created by sulfur-bearing steam vapors moving up through volcanic ash deposits.
Researchers at SLU have made a groundbreaking discovery on the molecular mechanism of HIV integration, shedding light on how the virus invades healthy cells. The study reveals that integrase holds viral DNA together prior to integration, paving the way for new drug therapy options.
A new study published in Nature Neuroscience found that male mice require intact functioning of the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) to detect pheromones that elicit sexual behavior and fighting. The MOE plays a crucial role in regulating mating and aggression in mice, highlighting the importance of this sensory system.
A study by Washington University psychologist Teresa L. Deshields found that most breast cancer survivors adjust well to survivorship within two weeks, with depressive symptoms dropping significantly after treatment. The study suggests that oncologists can reassure patients that their quality of life will improve quickly.
Researchers suggest that Martian features can be explained by meteorite strikes rather than evaporated lakes. Base surges from massive explosions caused by meteorite impacts result in simple and consistent explanations for rock formations and sediment layers found at the Opportunity site.
A recent study found nearly one-third of the US population is colonized with staph bacteria, with a significant increase in drug-resistant superbugs. The prevalence was highest among males and children between 6-11 years old, with MRSA affecting 0.8% of participants.
A long-term study of patients with type 1 diabetes found that early and aggressive treatment, including insulin pumps and lifestyle interventions, significantly lowered the risk of serious cardiovascular events. This approach was associated with a 58% reduction in cardiovascular risks compared to conventional blood glucose control.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered that the brain refreshes its supply of memory-making molecules by migrating receptors along neurons to synapses. This process supports rapid changes in the number of receptors during learning and memory formation, contradicting previous assumptions about receptor replacement.
MIT physicists and NIST colleagues report the most precise direct test yet of Einstein's E=mc^2, verifying the formula's accuracy with an unprecedented precision. The team's findings validate the equivalence of energy and mass, strengthening the theory's position in modern physics.
Researchers found that prolonged exposure to low levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) increases the risk of heart disease by accelerating atherosclerosis and causing vascular inflammation in mice. The study used real-world exposure to airborne pollutants to demonstrate the link between air pollution and cardiovascular disease.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that only about 4.5% of aggressive kidney tumors express KIT, a receptor kinase tyrosine, and no mutations were detected in most cases. This suggests that imatinib therapy may not be effective for these patients, despite previous studies suggesting its potential benefits.
A study of over 2,000 older adults found that higher magnesium intake was associated with increased bone density. The recommended daily allowance is significantly lower than the amount most people receive.
Melbourne-based researchers Dr Anthony Hannan and Dr Stephen Nutt have won $1 million Pfizer Fellowships to investigate environmental factors affecting brain diseases and blood cell development. Their work aims to develop new therapeutic approaches for devastating conditions like Huntington's disease, schizophrenia, and leukaemia.
Researchers found that red-headed Gouldian finches are more aggressive and dominant than black-headed and yellow-headed peers. The study suggests that the birds' bright red head color serves as a signal of dominance, allowing them to out-compete others for limited resources.
Researchers discovered faint visible 'echoes' of three ancient supernovae by detecting centuries-old light reflected by interstellar gas clouds. The oldest echo is likely over 600 years old, offering a chance to study famous supernovae like those observed in 1006 and 400 years ago.
A team of Canadian and American scientists reports the first-ever finding of elevated levels of creatine, a newly discovered agent of Alzheimer's, in brain tissue. The study used infrared spectroscopy to detect creatine directly in situ, revealing an overlooked aspect of energy disturbance in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have discovered new synthetic compounds that inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), an enzyme involved in brain cell death. These compounds, including a melatonin metabolite, prevent NO-induced brain damage by suppressing iNOS production.
A sociological study found that parenthood is not associated with improved mental health, contrary to cultural beliefs. Parents with minor stepchildren and single parents report more symptoms of depression than childless individuals. Married parents residing with their own minor children actually experience less depression.
A study published in Neuron found that the CB1 receptor is integrated with leptin signaling to control appetite, with implications for obesity treatment. Blocking CB1 receptors may offer a promising approach to treating obesity, and recent antiobesity drugs like rimonabant may also work by reducing endocannabinoid signaling.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded $13 million to support science education projects across the US. These initiatives aim to enhance Americans' knowledge of clinical research and life sciences, promoting a better understanding of scientific discoveries and delivering important health information to various audiences.
Using genetic evidence from over 20 species of locusts, researchers found that ancestors of the African desert locust flew across the Atlantic, giving rise to diverse New World species. The study's findings suggest high-altitude winds were essential for the swarm's flight, with modern-day examples supporting this hypothesis.
A team of researchers at UCSD has quantified more noise in gene expression, discovering significant fluctuations within individual cells and variations between identical cells. This study provides a mathematical description of 'extrinsic noise,' a larger component of variation in gene expression.
Cyclical vomiting syndrome affects adults with recurring episodes of incapacitating nausea and vomiting, often triggered by panic attacks. The disorder originates in the central nervous system, not the abdomen, and can be challenging to diagnose due to its unique clinical pattern.
Researchers have discovered that compressing digitized mammograms using file-compression techniques improves their interpretability by radiologists, allowing for remote screenings in underserved communities. The compression method retains essential features that are crucial for cancer diagnosis.
A new study suggests that heartburn medications may be contributing to the spread of community-acquired C. difficile (C. difficile) infection. Over a 10-year period, community C. difficile cases increased from less than one case per 100,000 people in 1994 to over 22 cases per 100,000 by 2004. The study also found that most patients who...
Researchers found that air pollution can cause atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries, when combined with a high-fat diet. Mice exposed to polluted air developed more plaque and high blood pressure, indicating a clear cause-and-effect relationship between PM2.5 exposure and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that DMSO inhibits key enzymes in sewage treatment plants, affecting their ability to break down organic matter. This can lead to reduced treatment efficiency and increased emissions of untreated pollutants into the environment.
Dr Anthony Hannan from the Howard Florey Institute has won a $1 million Pfizer Australia Research Fellowship to study environmental factors that delay degenerative brain diseases. His recent work showed that mental and physical exercise can slow down HD progression in mice, challenging genetic determinism.
Research reveals that nearly 20% of U.S. adolescents and adults under 50 have low cardiorespiratory fitness, associated with higher risks of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Low fitness is more common in females, non-Hispanic blacks, and those with higher body mass index and waist circumference.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that preimplantation genetic diagnosis is highly reliable, but a small margin of error exists due to chromosomal mosaicism. This phenomenon can lead to inaccurate diagnoses, with up to 50% of embryos showing mosaic cells.
Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine used Automated Quantitative Analysis (AQUA TM ) technology to standardize biomarker detection methods. The study found that antibody concentration can dramatically alter the relationship between biomarker levels and clinical outcome, particularly for breast cancer biomarkers.
A Phase I clinical trial is underway to test the safety and potential of using child's own bone marrow stem cells to treat traumatic brain injury. The study aims to establish the safety of the procedure and observe possible therapeutic effects.
Researchers found significantly lower quality of care in for-profit health plans compared to not-for-profit plans, even after adjusting for demographic factors. The study's findings reinforce concerns about the impact of financial incentives on quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries.
Scientists have successfully demonstrated a new measurement technique, single molecule absorption spectroscopy, combining optical absorption with atomic-scale resolution of scanning tunneling microscopy. This breakthrough enables the detection of individual molecules under laser illumination.
The ST5 Project is testing new technologies for future science missions, with three micro-satellites weighing around 25 kg each. The satellites will demonstrate the benefits of a constellation of small low-cost spacecraft obtaining simultaneous measurements in different locations.
A Swedish study found that patients diagnosed with depression were 1.5 times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than those without depression. Young adults between 25-39 years old had an even higher risk of developing CHD, with a ratio of 3.
A 6-week group intervention using cognitive-behavioral techniques reduced depressive symptoms in low-income single mothers, while a study illustrates the effectiveness of cost-effective nursing interventions for improving mental health outcomes.
A study by David L. Rimm and colleagues found that high biomarker antibody concentrations were associated with low patient survival in breast cancer patients, while low concentrations were linked to good outcomes. Another study examined the impact of long-term storage on circulating DNA levels in lung cancer patients.
Researchers found that celebrity voice-overs can sway consumer attitudes towards brands, with influences greatest when recognition is uncertain. The study reveals contrasting effects: assimilation when consumers like a celebrity's voice and contrast when they dislike it.
Researchers studied early heart development using Drosophila genetics, finding that Slit and Robo proteins play a critical role in proper alignment of heart tube cells. This misalignment can lead to observed heart defects, and the study may soon be applied to develop diagnostic tests for congenital heart defects.
Researchers will use fMRI technology to map brain regions active during speech and language tasks in healthy subjects, with data from stroke patients used to correlate language deficits with damage to specific brain areas.
Researchers analyzed data from over 41,000 adults and found a significant association between tooth loss and heart disease, even among those who had never smoked. The study highlights the importance of promoting good oral health to prevent cardiovascular disease.
A study of 2000 female flight attendants found that those experiencing sexual harassment were nearly three times more likely to report poor health and psychological distress. Almost half of all women surveyed had been sexually harassed by a colleague or superior.
A new study published online by Vision Research documented a 70 percent improvement in eye chart performance in 19-year-old subjects with lazy eye. The training program involved detection of a small "gabor" exercise that generalized to marked improvement in standard vision tests.
A study of 71 smokers found that guided imagery techniques increased smoking abstinence rates by 14 percentage points. The results suggest that clinicians can use these techniques to aid patients in quitting smoking, contributing to the country's goal of reducing smoking prevalence to 12% by 2010.
A large-scale study found that nearly 7.5 million adolescents and 8.5 million adults have poor cardiovascular fitness, associated with increased risk of heart disease. The prevalence of poor fitness was higher in females and minority groups, highlighting the need for targeted education campaigns to promote physical activity.
A study by Northwestern University found that postmenopausal white women with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer are twice as likely to develop cutaneous melanoma. Regular skin checkups are crucial for these high-risk individuals to reduce the incidence of deadly melanoma.
Researchers identified 235 different mutations in 310 patients, with 70% of Romano Ward probands successfully genotyped using standard methods. The new approach aims to facilitate genetic testing for LQTS in a broader group of individuals, including those receiving QT-interval prolonging drugs and family members.
A recent study found that African-Americans are more likely to develop arterial leg disease, a condition that can lead to amputation if left untreated. Cigarette smoking is the single most important risk factor for the disease, which is also associated with hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.
Researchers investigated how parents influence adolescents' coping mechanisms for stress. Secure parent-child relationships are associated with the development of adaptive coping styles, which can lead to long-term positive outcomes. In contrast, insecure relationships may result in maladaptive coping strategies that increase distress.
The new JBS 2 guidelines focus on cardiovascular disease as a whole, including those with hardened arteries and diabetes. Screening is recommended for adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease, with targets set for blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels.
Research found a high number of chromid breaks associated with increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers and basal cell carcinomas, while melanoma risk was not linked. UV-B radiation sensitivity also interacted with other risk factors for squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that screening chest x-rays can detect early-stage lung cancers at high rates. The study involved 77,465 participants and showed a significant reduction in lung cancer mortality among current smokers, with a detection rate of 6.3 cases per 1000 individuals.