Researchers at Max Planck have developed a new vaccine that effectively protects against pulmonary tuberculosis, a major killer of adults worldwide. The genetically engineered BCG vaccine stimulates stronger protection by dendritic cells and offers protection against drug-resistant Beijing family isolates.
Researchers have identified two genes that enable P. falciparum parasites to switch from sugar-dependent to sugar-independent invasion of red blood cells. The PfRh4 gene is required for this switching mechanism, which provides the parasite with adaptability in the face of receptor changes and immune system responses.
Researchers employed a bacteriophage to learn how an HIV protein responds to new anti-viral molecules, identifying compounds with potential to overcome drug resistance. This approach enables faster and more effective drug discovery for other anti-viral therapies.
Researchers used reflected seismic waves to image the structure of the lower crust, finding evidence of multiple magma sills forming at different levels. The study suggests that the base of the oceanic crust is formed from several smaller sources of magma rather than a single large pool.
A Yale University study found that early use of hormone therapy is linked to fewer wrinkles and firmer skin. The researchers compared 11 non-users with nine long-term hormone therapy users and found significant decreases in wrinkle severity and rigidity.
Researchers tested a long-held friction theory using a quasicrystalline material, finding that friction along the periodic surface was significantly higher than along the aperiodic axis. The study's findings have implications for understanding the relationship between a material's structure and its frictional properties.
Researchers have identified a new protein, Ptprv, that plays a crucial role in preventing and counteracting cancer. The protein works with p53 to halt the cell cycle and block tumor formation, offering new perspectives for cancer treatment.
A study found that mass treatment interventions in Uganda had no significant impact on reducing the prevalence of human infective T b rhodesiense parasites. Since 1998, over 428 new cases have been diagnosed in the Sorotic district, with an additional 300 cases likely going undiagnosed.
Researchers at Cornell University have made a breakthrough in understanding superconductors by locating crucial atoms that increase conductivity but decrease it in localized spots. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective superconductors and unlock new materials for various applications.
Researchers have identified the Dido gene as a potential tumor suppressor in myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases. Additionally, SOCS-7 has been found to regulate insulin signaling and enhance insulin action. Furthermore, aldose reductase expression has been linked to accelerated diabetic atherosclerosis in transgenic mice.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a potential new target for treating vascular disease by inhibiting the protein kinase Akt1. The study found that Akt1 plays a crucial role in the formation of new blood vessels, which is essential for improving blood flow to muscles during exercise.
Research by Yale University found that insulin-resistant individuals' mitochondria produce less ATP, a key energy molecule. This defect may explain the link between inherited type 2 diabetes risk and reduced insulin signaling.
Researchers develop kinetic antiferromagnetism, solving decades-long problem in theoretical physics. The discovery has practical applications in superconductors, magnetic storage devices, and other areas of materials science.
A team of researchers has discovered a molecular missing link that explains why fasting brings on acute attacks of the genetic disease hepatic porphyria. Fasting increases levels of PGC-1a, which regulates the activity of an enzyme in the heme production pathway, leading to toxic buildup of precursor molecules.
The study found that SOCS-7-deficient mice have increased IRS protein levels and prolonged IRS activation, leading to enhanced insulin action and glucose homeostasis. The researchers also observed increased growth of pancreatic islets with elevated fasting insulin levels and hypoglycemia.
A study by UC Irvine researchers discovered that estrogen has a protective effect on the mitochondria in vascular cells, increasing energy production efficiency and reducing oxidative stress. This finding suggests that estrogen may be beneficial for women's cardiovascular health, particularly after menopause.
Researchers analyzed seismic wave data from 30 earthquakes and found waves passing through the inner core arrived earlier when separated in time, indicating material had moved into the path taken by waves traveling through the inner core. The study's findings suggest a dynamic planet with significant changes over millions of years.
Researchers discovered a mitochondrial protein, MAVS, that activates immune response against viral infections. Cells without MAVS are vulnerable to virus, while those with excess MAVS resist infection.
Researchers found that the SXL protein blocks the synthesis of MSL-2 proteins in females by acting on two separate steps. This discovery reveals an entirely new mechanism for controlling protein dosages at the level of RNA, which could have implications for understanding diseases and animal development.
A genetic mutation in ataxin-1 enhances protein activity, leading to toxic levels and degeneration. The study sheds light on the mechanisms of rare diseases and their implications for more common ones.
Researchers at Cornell University have provided new evidence for the existence of the ivory-billed woodpecker, a species once thought to be extinct. The video analysis highlights key differences in wing coloration between the two bird species, supporting the claim that the footage shows an ivory-billed woodpecker.
Researchers at Yerkes develop a transgenic nonhuman primate model of Huntington's disease to study disease development and develop treatments and prevention options. The model will be used in high-resolution imaging scans and behavioral studies.
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is caused by a toxic buildup of the protein Ataxin-1, leading to damage in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Researchers discovered that glutamine repeats in the protein cause toxicity, which can also affect other neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's and Parkinson's.
Researchers have identified the Dido gene as a potential tumor suppressor involved in myeloproliferative diseases. The study found that 100% of patients with these diseases had Dido expression abnormalities, suggesting a link between the gene and the development of MDS/MPD.
A survey of UK hospital consultants found a significant increase in poor mental health and burnout, attributed to increased job stress and workload. The prevalence of psychiatric illness rose from 27% in 1994 to 32% in 2002, with clinical oncologists facing the greatest increases.
Researchers discover crystal structure of cyan fluorescent protein, leading to understanding of coral reef coloration. The study provides insight into the biological function of coral reef coloration and its potential connection to environmental stresses.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a theory explaining why nanowires thin away at non-zero temperatures. The discovery reveals that higher surface tensions stabilize the wires, making them suitable for repeated use. Copper is identified as the best metal for creating stable nanowires.
Research shows that limiting episiotomies can lead to less perineal trauma, fewer need for suturing, and fewer postpartum complications. Episiotomy rates vary widely across countries and regions, with the US having a higher rate than many other English-speaking countries.
A recent study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology has identified a key protein, Upf1, that regulates histone production during cell division. The research suggests that an imbalance in DNA and histone production is lethal for cells and may be crucial in understanding tumor growth.
Researchers identified a genetic link between inflammation and an increased risk of stroke after heart surgery. A specific combination of polymorphisms in genes responsible for C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 was found to be associated with a higher rate of stroke in patients.
The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation have partnered with the Burnham Institute to develop a 3D culture system that simulates tumor microenvironments. This technology enables rapid testing of candidate drugs and has potential applications beyond cancer research.
A recent archaeological comparison of genetic traits indicates that Moche sacrificial victims were not local elite, but rather warriors captured from nearby valleys. This finding suggests territorial conflict and competition among Moche populations in each valley.
Researchers discovered a new protein, MAVS, located in the mitochondrial membrane that plays a vital role in immune defense against microbial infections. The study suggests that variations in MAVS expression levels may endow individuals with varying ability to fight off viral diseases.
A study published in Cell reveals that PGC-1 alpha, a metabolic regulator, plays a crucial role in the development of porphyria symptoms. Fasting and certain drugs can trigger attacks, which can be treated with high-carbohydrate diets and glucose feedings.
Scientists have found evidence that dust from burning asteroids can influence local weather in Antarctica, forming clouds of micron-sized particles that reflect sunlight and cause cooling. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about asteroid dust's impact on the environment.
A study by Professor Andrew Gamble found that child trust funds are an important and unusual universal benefit. Young people strongly support the principle of capital grants but want greater restrictions on how money is spent, with a focus on higher education and starting a business.
A study of 110 homoeopathy trials and 110 conventional medicine trials found that smaller, lower-quality trials showed more beneficial treatment effects for homoeopathy. However, larger, higher-quality trials revealed no significant evidence that homoeopathy was superior to placebo.
A randomized controlled trial found that parenteral artesunate reduced mortality from severe malaria by 15% compared to quinine, while also being safer and simpler to administer. The study calls for quality-assured, affordable artesunate to be made widely available in malaria-endemic areas.
Scientists use AFM and STM to study frictional force in decagonal quasicrystals, revealing strong connection between interface structure and dissipation. The results show that friction is greater along the periodic direction, with an anisotropy of up to 8 times greater than in the aperiodic direction.
Researchers found a strong association between orexin neurons and reward seeking behavior in rats. Orexin activation reinstated extinguished drug-seeking behavior and was related to preferences for cues associated with rewards.
The Abuja Declaration endorses a five-point strategy to support capture fisheries, develop aquaculture, improve fish market chains, increase benefits from fish trade, and provide decision makers with information. African fish and fishery products have an annual export value of $2.7 billion.
Research suggests that high blood lactate levels can accurately predict a poor outcome in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). The study examined the relationship between serum phosphate and lactate levels in FHF patients, finding that lactate levels were significantly higher in those who died or underwent a transplant.
A new dye, NIAD-4, has been developed to allow direct imaging of Alzheimer's plaques through a patient's skull without invasive procedures. The compound binds to amyloid brain plaques and fluoresces when exposed to near-infrared radiation, providing clear visual images.
Aphids vary in their resistance to wasp parasitism, but new research suggests that the difference lies in the symbiotic bacteria carried inside them. Carrying these bacteria reduces parasitism by up to 40% and demonstrates a heritable form of acquired resistance.
Researchers found evidence for differential rotation of Earth's solid inner core, with the core rotating faster than the surrounding mantle and crust. The discovery suggests electromagnetic coupling is driving the inner core's motion, generating an electric current that causes it to spin.
Researchers found that the protein Klotho extends lifespan in mice by making them resistant to insulin, but also increases risk of diabetes. The study offers promising hope for developing anti-aging therapies.
A protein-rich diet combined with exercise leads to greater weight loss and fat reduction compared to a high-carbohydrate, lower-protein diet. This study found that dieters on the protein-rich diet lost almost 100% of their weight in fat, while those on the low-protein diet lost 25-30% of their weight as muscle.
Researchers discovered a gene, PfRh4, that enables P. falciparum parasites to switch between two invasion pathways, increasing their adaptability in the face of immune responses and host changes. This finding has important implications for the design of anti-malaria vaccines.
Researchers found that antibiotics are less effective in preventing recurrent gastric lymphoma when H. pylori is re-infected, and that follicular dendritic cells play a key role in the disease's progression. Re-infected animals developed more aggressive tumors than those who received antibiotic treatment.
UQ researchers received top honors in e-research grants, developing AI for breast cancer detection and improving data management. The university's initiative aims to overcome barriers to E-Research adoption.
The study found that farmers who participated in workshops made better decisions in response to good information, resulting in improved crop yields. The researchers also found that the workshops increased the use of forecast information among farmers, particularly those in subsistence farming.
Researchers found that DNA dissipates ultraviolet energy through a wave-like process along its edge, rather than damaging base pairs. This new understanding sheds light on the DNA repair process and has implications for biology.
The Phase II clinical trial of belatacept found that it preserved kidney function and reduced the incidence of acute rejection in transplant patients. Belatacept selectively blocks T-cell activation while allowing the body to fight off infections.
Researchers will study chemical reactions and transformation of mercury in flue gases of coal-fired power plants. They aim to develop a mathematical model to predict mercury emissions and create more effective technologies for controlling mercury emissions.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have pinpointed a chemical called triazole that can allow polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells to operate at much higher temperatures without moisture. This discovery could make polymer fuel cells cheaper and more practical for use in cars, laptops, and cell phones.
The study found that subjective responses to cocaine peak and decline more rapidly than those of methamphetamine. Cardiovascular responses are similar at onset but respond differently over time.
Researchers found that mothers with dental caries who had C-section births passed a specific bacterium to their babies, leading to an earlier onset of cavities. The study suggests that family dentists should inform patients about the potential risk if they had a C-section delivery.
A recent study found that TV ads marketed high-sugar and unhealthy foods to children, dominating nearly 44% of the airtime. The research also revealed that convenience/fast foods made up 34.2% of the advertisements during kids' favorite TV programs.
Researchers discovered the structure of miniature motors in muscles and found out how they are switched off. By studying tarantula striated muscle, scientists created a detailed model of the myosin heads and their interactions with actin filaments.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found no indication of a bisexual pattern of genital arousal among heterosexual and homosexual men, but did reveal a distinct bisexual pattern of subjective arousal. This challenges the existing understanding of male bisexuality and highlights the need for further research.