A recent study using lipid biomarker techniques has identified complex and productive microbial ecosystems in prehistoric rocks from southeastern Brazil. This finding challenges the 'Snowball Earth' theory by suggesting that thin ice might have allowed for photosynthesis to occur during extreme glaciation.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria share a universal molecular vernacular called AI-2, which enables them to communicate and interfere with each other's behavior. This study shows that AI-2 can be used as a mechanism for one type of bacteria to block another from counting its neighbors and controlling its behavior.
Scientists have discovered how a biomolecule can act as a light switch, revealing its potential for high-resolution microscopy and optical data storage. The protein, asFP595, switches between fluorescent and non-fluorescent states using a tiny molecular mechanism.
A study in Rakai, Uganda found that women are at a higher risk of HIV infection during pregnancy compared to other times. The risk remains significant even after adjusting for sociodemographic or behavioral factors.
Titia de Lange, a renowned scientist at Rockefeller University, has been awarded the NIH Pioneer Award for her groundbreaking research on DNA damage response. Her work aims to understand how cells sense and repair damaged DNA, with potential implications for tumorigenesis, aging, and hereditary disorders.
Researchers identified two life-extending genes, Hst2 and Hst1, that account for the beneficial effects of caloric restriction on yeast. The genes are involved in reducing toxic circular DNA molecules, which accumulate with age and contribute to aging.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine identify a new way cells replicate through damaged DNA by using the protein Rev1 as a template. This discovery opens up a new area of study with potential innovative approaches to cancer prevention and treatment.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels can begin as early as 20 years into the disease. The study of over 500 patients showed steady worsening of nerve conduction tests even in those with normal values, highlighting the importance of controlling diabetes from onset.
Researchers at Yale University found that myelin physically limits axonal growth and regeneration after traumatic injury. Blocking vision in one eye normally alters ocular dominance only during critical development, but mutations in the Nogo-66 receptor affect abnormal plasticity later in life.
Aesthetic computing uses drawings, sculptures, or computer graphics to make abstract ideas in algebra 'real'. Teachers at a recent workshop were introduced to an introductory curriculum that involves repackaging traditional equations into nontraditional forms, resulting in art pieces like diagrams with circles and lines.
The Lancet seminar highlights the need for collaboration between nursing, dietetic, and physical-activity experts to develop novel ways to tackle obesity. The medical profession is waking up to the political and industrial challenges of obesity, but more needs to be done to address its management and prevention.
A UN report estimates over 79,500 people with HIV/AIDS were evicted, disrupting antiretroviral treatment and home-based care. WHO-AFRO should take the lead in providing humanitarian assistance to address the escalating health crisis and potential public health disaster.
Researchers have found a surge in Rsf-1 gene copies in 13.2% of high-grade ovarian cancers, but not in low-grade or benign tumors. The amplification is associated with poorer survival rates, and the Hopkins scientists are working to develop targeted therapies.
The NHLBI-funded program aims to translate knowledge into clinical practice for treating heart, lung, and blood diseases. It focuses on repairing damaged heart muscle, reducing immune complications, and enhancing adult stem cell interactions.
Physicists Andreas Karch and Lisa Randall propose that the relaxation principle in the early universe led to the formation of three- or seven-dimensional realities. These dimensions could be hidden from our perception, with our three-dimensional reality being just one of them.
The NIH has renewed a network focused on understanding how genes influence drug responses, aiming to create personalized therapies with fewer side effects. The network will explore various genetic factors affecting medication efficacy and toxicity across nine NIH components.
T.P. Ma, Yale University professor, receives IEEE Andrew S. Grove Award for his pioneering work on CMOS gate dielectrics, a crucial technology in modern silicon chips. He has made significant contributions to increasing integrated circuit operating speed and reliability while lowering cost per function.
The Guidelines Applied in Practice Project improves mortality rates in hospitals by implementing evidence-based therapies, resulting in lower heart attack death rates. The study found that standard discharge documents can cut the risk of patient dying within one year almost in half.
The study, which tracked 808 individuals from 5th grade to age 21, found that parental smoking is the biggest contributor to children initiating smoking. Parents who smoke are more likely to see their children start smoking, with Indian youth being the most likely to begin daily smoking by age 21.
Renal transplant recipients are 3.6 times more likely to develop melanoma than the general population, with a mortality rate up to 6 percent in some regions. Men who have had a kidney transplant face the greatest risk, and risk increases rapidly with age.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that hospitals using quality-improvement tactics reduced heart attack death rates by 21-26%. The effort involved a checklist to ensure patients received crucial treatments and lifestyle advice, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Researchers found that the antibody prevents the virus from rearranging its protein envelope after entering host cells, blocking infection. The study also uncovered a theory called antibody-dependent enhancement, which may help explain why some antibodies are ineffective against certain viruses.
A recent study published in Nature refutes previous claims of missing dark matter in elliptical galaxies, suggesting that massive dark-matter halos are present around these galaxies as well. The research uses simulations of galaxy mergers to explain the observations made by earlier studies.
The pediatric acute liver study, directed from Children's, will investigate the causes and treatment of acute liver failure in children. The three aspects of the study include developing a registry, therapeutic clinical trials, and basic research into genetic causes of the condition.
Researchers evaluated the fracture toughness of Si3N4/S45C joints with interface cracks of different lengths. The specimen with a 4mm crack exhibited higher apparent fracture toughness due to reduced residual stress. Fracture propagation directions varied depending on crack length.
A joint study by University of Alberta and Napier University of Scotland found bartending has the highest potential for injury in pubs, with workers at risk of back pain and shoulder strain. The study recommends changes such as reducing bar height, installing slip-free floors, and using dollys to move heavy loads to prevent injuries.
Researchers at the University of Oxford discovered a family of amino acid transporters that promote cell growth when overexpressed in fruit flies, leading to excessive growth and tumour development. The findings suggest human equivalents of these genes may be involved in cancer, paving the way for potential new treatments.
Research found a link between high blood homocysteine levels and decreased cognitive performance in individuals over 60. Taking vitamin B12, B6, and folate supplements may help prevent mild cognitive deficit in older adults.
Researchers created digital humans that mimicked participants' head movements and voices to test their persuasive effects. The study found that people were more emotionally engaged when interacting with these digital humans compared to traditional computer interfaces.
Research on 24 young men and women found that faster music speeds up breathing and circulation, while slower music decreases heart rate. Musicians experienced a stronger effect due to their ability to synchronize breathing with musical phrases.
A multi-institutional effort aims to develop responses to 'dirty bombs' and other radioactive threats. The Biodesign Institute and TGen will create biodosimetry devices and diagnostic systems to rapidly analyze radiation exposure levels.
The Cybertools project, led by Cornell University's Michael W. Macy, aims to develop tools to extract and analyze information from the Internet Archive, a massive collection of web pages. The project will explore the spread of innovation, social norms, and opinion dynamics in evolving networks.
The Arctic sea ice has been declining at an accelerating rate since the 1990s, with temperatures increasing and causing earlier springtime melting. The lowest sea-ice extent yet recorded was seen in September 2005, 20% lower than the previous average.
Researchers developed a hyper-responsive Stat1 molecule to amplify the body's immune response without side effects. This improvement could lead to treatments for viral infections, cancer, and other conditions with lower doses of interferon.
Researchers found that shredded tire chips provide effective drainage for modern and abandoned landfills, preventing water pollution and reducing costs. The study's results suggest a cost-effective alternative to traditional sand or gravel drainage materials.
A population-based study found that long-term smoking is associated with a 30-40% increased risk of breast cancer, particularly among women who start smoking before their first full-term pregnancy. The study also suggests that combined hormone therapy increases breast-cancer risk in women who smoke long term.
A national survey found that married women were significantly more likely to report sex life problems than single women. Good communication and quality of first experience were also identified as important factors. The study suggests that many people with sexual dysfunction remain silent, with only a small percentage seeking help.
A new blood transplant method has shown significant promise in reducing the risk of fatal side effects associated with cancer treatment. The Stanford study found that the therapy successfully boosted regulatory T cells, minimizing graft-versus-host disease without compromising its ability to kill cancerous cells.
Research shows that liver production of CRP is associated with atherosclerotic lesions, contradicting previous suggestions that CRP was merely a risk factor. Liver-derived CRP levels positively correlate with plaque size in rabbit models of atherosclerosis.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism used by tick-borne flaviviruses to counteract the natural ability of interferon to combat the virus. The study found that NS5 protein blocks immune defenses, preventing the immune system from stopping the spread of the virus and helping the body recover from infection.
Researchers discovered a hidden unity between celestial mechanics and atomic physics, revealing similarities in the mathematics governing both. This connection enables new ways to design space missions with minimal fuel usage.
The two-year study found that patients treated with Starlix plus metformin had a 50% lower incidence of hypoglycemia compared to those taking glyburide and metformin. This combination therapy resulted in equally effective glycemic control and sustained reductions in post-meal glucose levels.
Researchers from Illinois University will use grants to recreate early Earth's geochemical processes, exploring how translation in cells may have begun with the genetic code. The team aims to fill gaps in understanding evolution, which is crucial for studying life beyond Earth.
The conference aims to develop a national registry system for complex procedures, focusing on data collection and analysis. The goal is to ensure patient safety and optimize treatment outcomes, with reliable data guiding treatment decisions.
A new UCLA study found that seniors with the lowest expectations for aging were more than twice as likely to report engaging in less than 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity. Increasing physical activity can improve health outcomes for older adults, making it a powerful way to address common age-related health issues.
Scientists have found that CART peptides are essential for the maximal effects of cocaine and amphetamine, leading to a novel target for treating stimulant drug addiction. The study showed reduced responses to these drugs in mice lacking CART peptides.
Insects use unique postures and forces to propel themselves up steep, slippery menisci in water. Researchers found two species of water treaders create dimples in the surface with their legs, generating forces that suck them up the slope.
Researchers found that POZ parties in New York City attracted predominantly white, over-30 men with varying lengths of HIV infection. The parties' mix of unprotected sex and multiple partners raises concerns about the spread of treatment-resistant strains of HIV.
A recent study suggests that flavanol-rich cocoa drinks can significantly improve blood vessel function in smokers, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers observed increases in nitric oxide levels and blood vessel responses after consumption of flavanol-rich drinks.
The MRSEC research program will focus on oxide materials and their interfaces, exploring new electronic, magnetic, and chemical behavior. The Center aims to increase diversity in STEM fields and provide educational opportunities for students of all levels.
Researchers analyzed 29 chunks of enstatite chondrite meteorites, which formed billions of years ago and are believed to hold clues about the early Earth's conditions. The study found that these rocks likely formed at lower temperatures than previously thought, shedding light on the planet's distant past.
A recent survey of Latino poultry workers in western North Carolina found high rates of musculoskeletal injuries, with nearly half reporting pain in their hands or arms. The study also found significant differences in injury and illness rates among companies, highlighting the need for improved workplace safety measures.
Scientists discovered a bacterial defense mechanism that reduces nitric oxide levels in response to the toxin, allowing bacteria to fend off the body's defenses. The NorR protein plays a crucial role in this process, and researchers hope to develop new antibiotics by disrupting this mechanism.
Researchers discovered that pockets of water wedge themselves into the subtropical gyre, preventing deep-ocean nutrients from reaching the surface where plants can thrive. The study found that this phenomenon reduces primary productivity and supports the food chain.
Researchers at Southampton and Nottingham universities are developing a new method of gene delivery to promote bone tissue formation. The technique, if successful, could provide a new source of bone tissue for orthopaedic procedures, addressing healthcare needs associated with trauma, degenerative disease, and age-related bone loss.
A new study finds that cigarette smoking exacerbates brain atrophy in alcoholics, particularly in regions such as the parietal and temporal lobes. The researchers discovered a direct relationship between brain volume and cognitive function among non-smoking alcoholics, but no similar link was found among smokers.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology is providing laboratory training and quality improvement programs for diagnosis and monitoring of HIV/AIDS patients in resource-limited countries. The program aims to improve the effectiveness of HIV diagnostic, care, and treatment services and interventions.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new nuclear fuel that conducts heat better than conventional fuels, promising to be safer and last longer. The fuel is made by interlacing uranium oxide with beryllium oxide, which increases thermal conductivity by 50%, reducing the risk of catastrophic accidents and allowing for more e...
A study of top-performing hospitals reveals the importance of timely angioplasty treatment in heart attacks. Successful hospitals employ a range of strategies to meet the 90-minute door-to-balloon time standard, including pre-hospital ECGs and collaborative teamwork.
The prevalence of unprotected anal sex with casual partners increased by 10% between 1996 and 2002, with rates higher among those who were less optimistic about HIV treatment. Renewed national efforts are needed to counteract 'prevention fatigue' and promote effective HIV prevention strategies.