A new computer model developed by Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers can predict the spread of a potential influenza pandemic and identify effective containment strategies. The model uses demographic information and data on past influenza pandemics to simulate the virus's transmission and track its spread.
Researchers found that prostate tumor growth is arrested through cellular senescence, which stops cells from proliferating and responding to normal growth signals. Drugs that support p53 function may delay progression of prostate cancer by triggering cellular senescence.
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed 'smart' bio-nanotubes that can encapsulate and release drugs in specific locations. The nanotubes were created using lipid bilayer membranes and microtubules from cell cytoskeletons.
A new canine vaccine has shown complete protection against visceral leishmaniasis in a successful trial, with laboratory experiments confirming the activation of immune cells to eliminate parasites. The vaccine uses antigen proteins excreted by the parasite and has potential for reducing transmission to humans.
Research on Pirahã language reveals a cultural restriction against discussing external topics, contradicting Noam Chomsky's theory of genetically driven grammar. Additionally, Arawakan languages in Amazonia show similarities to non-Arawakan neighbors, suggesting an early trade language origin.
A study by Cornell University researcher Robb Willer found that men who feel insecure about their masculinity tend to display homophobic attitudes, support the Iraq War, and purchase SUVs. The research suggests that masculine overcompensation is a driving force behind these behaviors.
The 'I'm a Kid Too' project engages adoptive children with severe medical diagnoses in photo-documentation, promoting healing and self-expression. The program also educates healthcare professionals through visual storytelling, aiming to treat children as individuals, not just diagnoses.
The study found that Bermudagrass lawns support twice as many fungal spores as St. Augustine grass, which can trigger allergic reactions. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing is also recommended to reduce potential allergens.
A new study found that cognitive therapy significantly reduced repeat suicide attempts among participants, with a 50% decrease in such attempts. The therapy was effective in reducing depressive symptoms and improving coping mechanisms.
The American Chemical Society's annual employment survey reveals that median salaries for US chemists have increased by 4-5% across all levels. Notably, there has been a dramatic shift towards biologically-related jobs among chemists over the past two decades.
A study of Cambodian immigrants in the US found a significant prevalence of PTSD and depression, with rates highest among older, poorer, and unemployed individuals. The research suggests that these disorders may be linked to a single continuum of posttraumatic stress.
The FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership aims to create hydrogen-powered vehicles, exploring energy sources, fuel cells, and safety. However, challenges such as hydrogen storage and production remain significant hurdles to achieving this goal.
Scientists at the University of Florida have developed a gene therapy that prevents blindness in mice with retinoschisis, a rare genetic disorder. The treatment involves injecting a healthy version of the human RS1 gene to prevent cyst formation and restore vision in affected eyes.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new breeding program that selects passive livestock animals, leading to increased productivity and improved animal well-being. The program, which avoids inbreeding problems, also reduces competition among animals for resources, resulting in less aggressive behavior and injuries.
Researchers used XRF imaging to analyze ancient stone inscriptions, detecting minute amounts of iron, zinc, and lead. The technique restored thousands of stones, including the law code of Draco, providing valuable information for historians and archaeologists.
The discovery confirms a long-term association between people and livestock in southern Africa, challenging the view that the Kalahari was isolated. The findings provide insights into the spread of domestic livestock throughout Africa, highlighting the role of diseases such as tripanosomiasis in delaying their introduction.
A 25-year study found high rates of PTSD and major depression among US Cambodian refugees who experienced trauma before and after immigration. The study highlights the need for additional mental health resources to address the community's substantial unmet needs.
A Rutgers University-led consortium found Amchitka seafood to be safe for now due to low levels of radionuclides. The study provides a baseline for future testing and aims to reassure subsistence fishermen and commercial fishing interests in the region.
A recent study published in Chemical & Engineering News reveals that many cats lack the sensitivity to catnip due to genetic variation. The chemical compound nepetalactone is responsible for triggering behaviors in sensitive felines, but its potency can be preserved by storing it in the freezer.
Female California fiddler crabs check out 100 or more male crab candidates and burrows before choosing a mate due to the importance of burrow size for offspring survival. This picky behavior helps females select mates with suitable burrows that allow larvae to hatch at the safest time.
A study published in JAMA Network in 2005 found that war survivors experienced high rates of mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. The study highlighted the need for comprehensive care and support for military personnel returning from combat.
Scientists confirm that bacteria follow ecological laws similar to those of plants and animals, with significant implications for medicine, agriculture, and pollution control. The discovery may allow researchers to predict fundamental diversity patterns of bacterial communities and engineer them to perform useful tasks.
Researchers have identified a gene marker called vimentin that detects colon cancer with 46% accuracy using DNA stool tests. The marker has potential to be used in combination with other DNA markers to detect 100% of colon cancers.
Researchers found that knocking out laccase-2 enzyme prevents tanning in red flour beetle, revealing protein responsible for hardened exoskeleton. The discovery opens possibilities for developing new insecticides and bio-rational methods to control pest populations.
Research has found a positive association between body mass index, fat-free mass, and waist circumference with an increased risk of myeloid leukemia. Additionally, modifications of the vimentin gene can be detected in fecal DNA of people with colon cancer, potentially serving as a biomarker for the disease.
A practical screening tool was developed to diagnose severe acute malnutrition in children under five in sub-Saharan Africa. The tool uses a combination of clinical signs and laboratory results to identify at-risk children, enabling timely intervention and improving survival rates.
A study by Dr. Mihai Covasa and colleagues found that a high-fat diet can reduce the body's sensitivity to cholecystokinin, a hormone that helps regulate appetite, in rats. This reduced sensitivity leads to increased overconsumption of highly palatable foods high in dietary fat.
A study evaluated the Quebec Neuroblastoma Screening Project and found that not implementing screening programs saved $574.1 million in unnecessary health costs. The study also found that widespread use of neuroblastoma screening across North America would have caused adverse health effects.
A JAMA study investigates how social and political factors influence refugee mental health, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive interventions. The research suggests that addressing these underlying factors can improve mental well-being among refugees.
A study by UT Southwestern researchers found significant differences in C-reactive protein levels among men and women, as well as between black and white patients. Women typically had higher CRP levels than men, while blacks had higher levels than whites, with a notable disparity in cardiovascular disease rates.
Researchers Jane Schneider and Peter Schneider uncover a diverse Sicily, where the mafia and antimafia have distinct values and practices. The study reveals Sicilians' ability to organize democratically for community goals, challenging established views on their culture.
A study found that prenatal exposure to famine in China's Wuhu region increased the risk of schizophrenia in later life. Birth rates dropped significantly during the famine years, and the risk of developing schizophrenia increased among those born during this time.
Lowering PSA cutoff from 4.0 ng/mL to 2.5 ng/mL would call for more biopsies, with 10.7% of US men aged 50-59 and 17% of those aged 60-69 affected.
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive therapy significantly reduced repeat suicide attempts in adults who recently attempted suicide, with a 50% decrease compared to usual care. The therapy also improved depression and hopelessness levels.
Craniofacial plastic surgery helps children with facial deformities gain social acceptance and improve their learning capabilities. The procedure can positively change how others interact with them, leading to better relationships and overall well-being.
The largest study of unrelated bone marrow transplantation for leukemia has demonstrated similar survival rates for T-cell depletion and immunosuppressive drug therapy approaches. The study, published in The Lancet, also found no appreciable differences in cost or quality of life between the two methods.
A recent study highlights the dangers of Solar Proton Events (SPEs) and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) on a manned Mars mission. The researcher recommends improving space weather monitoring and developing lightweight mechanisms to detect dangerous space weather, as well as creating more robust models for propagation over larger distances.
The Penn State Regional Center will conduct research on climate change's effects on regional terrestrial ecosystems, including the Northeast region with high population density and urbanization. The center aims to develop models predicting climate change impacts and analyze carbon exchange between ecosystems and the atmosphere.
A UCSF study found that limited English proficiency is an independent risk factor for difficulty in understanding medical situations. Respondents who were LEP reported more comprehension problems despite having access to physicians speaking their native language.
The UN model predicts 60.8% of people will live in towns and cities by 2030, but a new model suggests this number is lower at 49.2%. Most population growth between 2025-2030 will come from 10 large developing countries.
The study analyzed the relationship between past violent behavior and future homicide rates among male offenders in the US. The findings suggest that a history of violent behavior is associated with an increased risk of future homicides.
Researchers found that preschoolers with high levels of autonomy support from their parents tend to have better social adjustment and academic achievement in later years. This association was observed even after controlling for other factors, suggesting a positive link between parental autonomy support and child development.
Researchers suggest primordial doublet code evolved into triplet system, explaining 20 amino acids and error tolerance. The theory also points to a hot primordial soup as the origin of life.
A new review of the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines aims to streamline diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary events. The goal is to provide faster treatment that may even prevent a heart attack or damage to the heart before it happens, benefiting millions of patients each year.
Researchers analyzed home videotapes of 56 children to find that infants with autism who experience regression show more frequent word use and babble than normal infants at 12 months. Early onset ASD infants display the least frequency of language development.
The human cerebellum and cortex age at vastly different rates, with the cortex showing pronounced and consistent changes, while the cerebellum experiences smaller and less coordinated changes. This study, published in PLoS Biology, reveals that the functions of brain regions influence how they age.
A new study suggests that the Olmec civilization imported pottery from other cultures, contradicting previous claims that it was the sole source. The findings use petrography to identify minerals in pottery fragments and reveal reciprocal trade between highland and lowland centers.
Researchers understand the mechanism of smooth muscle cell growth, which allows for contraction and expansion of blood vessels. The discovery opens up new avenues for treating vascular disorders by targeting the Foxo4 protein.
Research suggests that severely mentally ill individuals are disproportionately victimized by crime, with a prevalence rate six to 23 times greater than the general population. The study's findings highlight the need for improved mental health treatment and support services to reduce revictimization.
According to a survey of 228 Pennsylvania high schools, bottled water and fruit juice are widely available in vending machines, while the top-selling a la carte items include hamburgers, pizza, and sandwiches. The survey also found that nearly 60% of schools sell carbonated beverages through vending machines.
Researchers found that levels of enterococci bacteria were higher at beaches during full and new moon phases, increasing the risk of illness. The study suggests using tidal patterns as a tool for assessing water quality and identifying potential sources of pollution.
A new study suggests that surgical myectomy can significantly improve symptoms in patients with severe obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), resulting in comparable life expectancies to those who never had the condition. By correcting blood flow obstructions, surgery offers a better quality of life for these younger patients.
The study found age-related changes in gene expression in the human brain's cortex, but not in non-brain tissues. The results support a theory that DNA damage and protein degradation contribute to aging, with more metabolically active tissues showing greater gene activity reduction.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that inhibitors of cellular enzyme cathepsin L prevent the SARS virus from entering target cells. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of new therapeutics against the SARS virus.
Researchers have found that amphetamine-related drugs, such as MDMA, can effectively alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease in a mouse model. By eliminating dopamine recycling and production, these drugs bypass the usual limitations of L-DOPA treatment, offering new hope for patients with the debilitating condition.
Scientists at Ohio State University created a mouse model of lung cancer that loses the FHIT gene's protein early in development, leading to larger and more numerous tumors. The study suggests that even low levels of the protein might prevent lung cancer.
Researchers at Rice University developed a new nanoprobe that uses quantum dots to visualize proteolytic activity in vivo, solving the problem of distinguishing between disease signals and background noise. The probes are activated by enzymes associated with specific diseases, allowing for early detection and monitoring.
A new study found that females prefer males with higher ocelli density but also those with shorter tails, suggesting they value the visual perception of a dense cluster. This preference is driven by both ocelli density and male displaying activity, providing peahens with information about male health.
A new study has established a significant correlation between waist circumference and components of the metabolic syndrome, including elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, in children. The research found that abdominal obesity, as measured by waist circumference, is an independent...
The sensor uses ambient radiation to detect objects based on how brightly they reflect natural radiation. Once developed, it could be used for luggage scanning and aircraft runway detection during bad weather.