A recent study found that infected tall fescue grass outcompetes native plants more quickly when herbivores are present. The symbiotic fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum produces alkaloids that harm livestock, but also contributes to the spread of infected fescue.
Researchers have discovered that red hair pigment produces more damaging compounds when exposed to sunlight, increasing the risk of skin cancer. A new topical lotion has also been developed, using a natural protein to repair DNA damage in skin cells.
A new tool developed by McGown could help answer questions about the role of G-quartets in health and disease, including their connection to diabetes. The study aims to identify new biomarkers and medical therapies.
A study by the USDA Forest Service found that homes at higher wildfire risk initially sold for more due to desirable views, but later sales data showed a decrease in price. This was largely due to a change in tastes towards less flammable building materials.
Researchers are studying the lipopolysaccharide outer membrane of P. aeruginosa to understand its interaction with minerals and heavy metals, which has significant implications for bioremediation applications.
Dr. Green will receive a $75,000 per year grant to study the inner retina and optic nerve in people with MS using optical coherence tomography. This research aims to predict disability in MS patients by observing early changes in the retina.
Cholesterol crystals can expand and burst in arteries, triggering a natural clotting process that shuts down the artery. This discovery adds another dimension to the inflammation theory, suggesting that the crystallization of cholesterol is a key factor in cardiovascular disease.
The US Army's Gamma Phage Assay has been approved by the FDA for human use within the Laboratory Response Network (LRN), enabling early detection of anthrax bioterrorism threats. This test, developed with CDC support, is a classical bacteriological method that uses a virus to identify B. anthracis.
A University of Washington scientist has developed a new method using nanoscale test tubes to conduct chemical analysis and experimentation. The approach captures single cells or small subcellular structures within tiny water droplets, allowing for the study of chemical processes and biochemical information at unprecedented scales.
A study published in PNAS suggests that farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) may reverse nuclear structure abnormalities in progeria cells. Researchers treated progerin-carrying skin cells with FTIs, reducing cell blebbing and improving cellular function.
The AAN Foundation and ALS Association are partnering to provide funding for a Clinician Scientist Development Award in support of ALS research. The award aims to prioritize promising compounds for clinical trials, bringing hope to patients suffering from this debilitating disease.
PNNL scientists employed x-ray spectroscopy to observe the reaction as it occurred, identifying a cluster of four rhodium atoms at the active site. This approach allows researchers to understand catalyst-reactant interactions under practical conditions, shedding light on key catalytic processes.
Researchers at VCU are developing magnetic nanoparticles that can combine detection and treatment in a single process, promising new hope for breast cancer treatment. The nanoparticles use magnetodynamic therapy to kill tumor cells with minimal damage to healthy cells.
Researchers at VisiGen Biotechnologies aim to sequence human genomes in under a day at a cost of $1,000 with new BioNano Technology system. The goal is to enable comprehensive genome analysis and design single-molecule DNA sequencing instruments for disease research.
Researchers found that smokers with specific genetic variants were more likely to abstain from smoking if using Zyban, while those with other variants had higher quit rates with nicotine replacement therapy. The study suggests that genetic information can be used to select the most effective treatment for individual smokers.
Research studies with smaller sample sizes are more prone to false results. Additionally, scientific fields with smaller postulated effects tend to have higher rates of false positive claims. Financial interests and prejudices can also influence the accuracy of research findings.
Researchers have found that certain anti-cancer drugs, known as FTIs, can block biochemical processes causing progeria's symptoms. The collaboration has shown a strong positive effect on progeria patients' cells.
Researchers have developed tiny rubber balls that can be embedded in plastics to improve adhesion and toughness. The core-shell particles are tailored to join with any plastic or ceramic, solving issues of adhesion found with untailored rubber particles.
Researchers have discovered a more stable compound, diammoniate of diborane (DADB), that may spontaneously uptake hydrogen fuel, making it potentially reversible. This finding is part of the Grand Challenge Project to develop new materials for hydrogen storage.
Researchers found that specific brain regions are linked to inflammation and lung function in asthmatic patients. The anterior cingulate cortex and insula were found to be hyper-responsive to emotional and physiological signals, influencing symptom severity.
X-ray spectromicroscopy allows scientists to study bacterial cells without staining or sectioning, providing insights into their molecular chemistry and interactions with metals and radionuclides. This technique may help detect weaponized bacteria and prevent disease outbreaks, making it a significant step towards environmental cleanup.
Researchers at UC Berkeley found that humans can reliably discern the source of an odor when presented with it through one nostril. The brain's primary olfactory cortex is divided into separate areas for each nostril, allowing for accurate localization. This ability has implications for various fields, including truffle hunting.
A Virginia Tech researcher has developed a technique to disperse nano particles into polymers, improving their mechanical properties. The method uses supercritical fluid carbon dioxide to exfoliate nano particles at higher concentrations, leading to enhanced mechanical properties.
Researchers have developed a permanent solution to fogging on glass, eliminating the need for constant reapplication. The coating remains stable over time and can be applied to various surfaces, making it suitable for use in eyeglasses, camera lenses, and more.
A recent study suggests that ozone levels in the atmosphere have begun to level off, with some regions even experiencing small increases. However, it is unlikely that the ozone layer will fully recover, and scientists warn that precautions such as UV protection remain vital.
Researchers developed a novel graph, called a 'sleep spectrogram,' to monitor sleep stability. The approach uses only an electrocardiogram and can help diagnose conditions like sleep apnea and depression.
A recent study published in Current Directions in Psychological Science found that hearing loss in older adults can compromise cognitive resources for memory. The research suggests that the extra effort needed to comprehend words detracts from the cognitive processes involved in memorization. This highlights the importance of sensitivi...
Caloric restriction is unlikely to lead to a dramatic increase in human lifespan, according to UCLA researcher John Phelan. By restricting calories by up to 60%, mice live longer than those with unlimited access to food, but humans will not experience the same benefits.
Researchers found that women with fourth-degree tears were significantly more likely to have bowel problems and incontinence of stool. The study suggests that third- and fourth-degree lacerations should not be grouped together as 'severe perineal lacerations' due to differing outcomes.
Researchers at UCLA used a drug to block mutant proteins from deforming cell nuclei, significantly reducing misshapen nuclei in human cells. The findings offer new clues into how progeria develops and could lead to treatment with new drugs for related disorders like osteoporosis.
A US-led research team discovered a potent cancer-fighting drug, dimethyl-celecoxib (DMC), which overcomes the limitations of its anti-inflammatory cousin celecoxib. DMC halts tumor growth even in drug-resistant multiple myeloma cells and may reduce cardiovascular side effects.
Researchers have identified two novel compound classes that target the ryanodine receptor in insects, offering a promising alternative to older, less-selective insecticides. These compounds, developed by Nihon Nohyaku Co., Ltd. and Bayer CropScience AG, show high potency and mammalian safety against pest insects.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new method for creating nanoscale patterns and features on surfaces, known as Electro Pen Nanolithography (EPN). This technique allows for the creation of three-dimensional nanoscale landscapes and has potential applications in molecular electronics and biosensors.
Researchers found that the pigment produced by cells in black-haired people has a thermodynamically unfavorable oxidation potential, while that of red-headed individuals is favorable. This difference may contribute to increased oxidative stress and skin cancer risk in redheads.
Cornell researchers create hollow DNA buckyballs that can encapsulate drugs, study chemical reactions and have unique electronic properties. The structures, made from branched DNA-polystyrene hybrids, self-assemble into spheres about 400 nm in diameter.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a new method to produce hydrogen for fuel cells in portable electronics, such as notebook computers. The technique combines two previously known methods and produces high yields of hydrogen, making it promising for fuel cell applications.
Scientists successfully detected mad cow proteins in the blood of infected hamsters using a novel method called protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA). The breakthrough could lead to a more effective test for detecting prions in cattle and human blood, reducing the risk of transmission through food and organ transplants.
Researchers have successfully produced human monoclonal antibodies in chicken eggs, demonstrating enhanced cell killing activity compared to conventionally produced antibodies. The new technology has the potential to drive down drug manufacturing costs and make medicines more affordable.
Virginia Tech researchers have made significant progress in understanding how to convert water into hydrogen gas using photochemical processes. They have developed molecular assemblies that absorb light more efficiently and activate conversion, which has implications for the production of clean energy.
The Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry is a peer-reviewed online journal that covers all aspects of organic chemistry and related disciplines. It invites submissions from organic chemists worldwide, offering efficient refereeing, rapid publication, and high visibility, with no publication charges or copyright restrictions.
Researchers at IRCM discover EAT-2 suppresses NK cell activity, boosting killer function to combat cancers and infections. Medications inhibiting EAT-2 may improve treatment effectiveness for cancers and communicable diseases.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have discovered a green catalyst, Fe-TAML, that can efficiently destroy nitrophenol pollutants. The catalyst works with hydrogen peroxide and has shown promise in killing biological warfare agents, reducing fuel pollutants, and detoxifying pesticides.
A study by Gavan McNally and colleagues found that opiate users are more susceptible to stress-induced anxiety. The researchers tested rats with morphine or saline solution, then subjected them to restraint stress. The results showed that opiate-treated rats experienced greater anxiety responses, including reduced social interaction, a...
A Virginia Tech research group has created molecular assemblies that can absorb therapeutic light and activate complexes attached to DNA, allowing for more precise delivery of cancer-killing drugs. Platinum was added to the structure, ensuring the activation of complexes already attached to the target.
A recent study by the University of Scranton found that coffee provides more antioxidants than any other dietary source in the US. The study analyzed over 100 food items and found that both caffeinated and decaf versions of coffee have similar antioxidant levels, making it the number one source of antioxidants.
A global design team has made progress on the linear collider, which will explore energy regions beyond current particle accelerators. The project aims to answer questions about extra dimensions and the nature of the universe.
Researchers are investigating a drug that may block the deadliest form of inflammation in heart bypass patients, including those who have had previous strokes or heart attacks. The study focuses on high-risk patients and pediatric cases, aiming to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity related to heart surgery.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that germ cells use the JAK/STAT pathway to receive signals regarding sexual identity. This understanding could lead to new treatments for human infertility and cancer.
K-State researchers aim to develop a chemical that can close gap junctions, preventing the spread of damaged eye cells. The team faces challenges in delivering the chemical into the eye without causing damage to the retina.
Loyola Medicine has become the first in the US to implant a new, FDA-approved defibrillator that can signal doctors of patient's irregular heartbeat or device malfunction. This innovation allows for real-time monitoring and early intervention, reducing mortality rates associated with arrhythmia.
A study published in Addictive Behaviors suggests that shame, not guilt, is related to substance-abuse problems. The research found that individuals prone to shame may use alcohol and other drugs to cope with feelings of self-blame, while those who experience guilt are less likely to develop substance-use problems.
The study reveals inhibitory systems play a crucial role in controlling the timing of action potentials and network synchronization. This fine-tuning affects cognitive functions and may underlie problems in psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia.
A new NIH grant will use electrical engineering concepts to profile host-virus interactions and identify immune responses. The study aims to develop a quantitative method to analyze the interaction between viruses and host cells, potentially leading to faster diagnosis and treatment of viral infections.
An international team of scientists has discovered the gene PfRh4 that allows the malaria parasite to switch between potential invasion points on red blood cells. The inactivation of this single protein could block multiple entry points currently open to the parasite, paving the way for new anti-malarial vaccine designs.
Intel donates microprocessor development kits to support UCSD's Computer Science and Engineering department, enhancing education in wireless multimedia embedded systems. The kits will equip research labs and enable students to work on projects involving application and systems programming for mobile devices.
Researchers at Duke University identified a novel virulence factor in Yersinia pestis using the C. elegans worm model, which mimics mammalian infection mechanisms. The discovery could aid in developing strategies to protect humans from plague and improve understanding of innate immune responses.
The Next Generation CiteSeer project will expand the database, add services, and provide opportunities for joint authoring. The new architecture will be open source, enabling easier use and greater access to metadata.
New study finds that women and black patients with a heart attack are less likely to receive recommended treatments, including aspirin and reperfusion therapy. The researchers also found that cardiac catheterization was used less frequently in these patient groups.
Researchers have identified a new strategy to turn off the function of CD4+ regulatory T cells, which suppress immune responses to tumors and infectious diseases. This approach could lead to enhanced anti-tumor immunity and boost response to cancer vaccines.
A new trial has found that artesunate is more effective and has fewer side effects than the standard treatment of quinine in treating severe malaria. The study involved over 1,400 patients from four countries and showed a significant reduction in mortality rates with artesunate treatment.