Researchers discovered that LXRs regulate SREBP-1c, a key protein in fat metabolism, allowing animals to store fat when fed high-fat diets with cholesterol. The study also found that LXR's role is crucial in the biochemical pathway that regulates fat storage, suggesting a new target for obesity and heart disease treatments.
A Columbia University/University of Iowa study reveals that inherited variations in the Factor H gene may trigger age-related macular degeneration through inflammation and immune responses. Researchers found that targeting molecules involved in immune system response could lead to powerful new therapies for treating and preventing AMD.
Chronic exposure to discrimination may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in African-American women, according to a study. The research found that higher levels of perceived discrimination were associated with greater calcium buildup in the arteries, highlighting the importance of addressing this stressor for heart health.
Researchers discovered significant differences in lipoprotein sizes and subclasses among severely obese white and black children, indicating higher cardiovascular risk for the former group. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing obesity-related health disparities in childhood.
Researchers found that a fiber supplement significantly decreased LDL and increased HDL cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests an alternative treatment option for those unable or unwilling to take statins.
Scientists at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a retroviral resistance gene that can help prevent HIV and other retroviruses from infecting cells. The discovery opens up new possibilities for developing treatments and therapies.
In some species, egg orientation influences embryonic development, leading to differences in cell fate and patterning. This phenomenon highlights the importance of spatial cues during early developmental stages.
Researchers found that a personalized physical exercise and Mediterranean-style diet plan improved vascular structure and function in volunteers with pre-clinical cardiovascular disease risk factors. Average VO2 max increased by 3.2 mL/min/kg, while body weight decreased significantly.
A recent study by the Life Course Socio-Economic Status (LCSES) study found that male combat veterans are more likely to be heavy drinkers and smokers compared to non-veterans and non-combat veteran controls. The researchers also discovered that older men with distant combat exposure had higher odds of obesity and physical inactivity.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory developed a functional brain model with 1 million neurons and 16 terabytes of storage. This achievement marks a major breakthrough in neural networking, enabling faster processing speeds and increased computational power.
A new study found that combat veterans are more likely to be heavy smokers and drinkers, while also experiencing lower physical inactivity compared to non-veterans. The research suggests that combat exposure may exert long-term adverse effects on cardiovascular risks.
The photoelectric effect, first explained by Einstein in 1905, has become a crucial tool for understanding the properties of matter. The new issue of New Journal of Physics features research on hot electrons and high-temperature superconductors, demonstrating its relevance to tailored electronic materials.
A study found that exposure to traffic emissions at menarche (first menstrual period) and first birth was associated with increased breast cancer risk in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, respectively. The findings support the hypothesis that early-life exposures contribute to breast cancer risk.
PNNL's ecological dock design reduces harm to nearshore marine life, while a new system tracks juvenile salmon behavior, aiding restoration of critical habitats. The lab also developed a cost-effective nanomaterial to remove mercury from industrial wastes, significantly reducing production costs.
A new study confirms the Earth's energy is out of balance, with more energy absorbed from the sun than emitted back to space. The imbalance, measured at 0.85 watts per meter squared, will cause an additional 0.6 degrees Celsius warming by the end of this century.
Dr. Chen will use his Guggenheim Fellowship to research the structures and properties of ferroelectric and multiferroic thin films with potential applications in various functional devices. He aims to develop theories and multiscale computational models for predicting their behaviors.
A study suggests non-surgical alternatives to facelifts can improve the neck and chin area, reducing the appearance of a 'wattle'. These procedures use liposuction and muscle tightening techniques, with moderate to marked improvement seen in over two-thirds of treated patients.
Research finds that prenatal cocaine exposure is associated with smaller head circumference at birth and less optimal home environments, leading to mild effects on developmental outcomes. These effects persist into childhood, particularly as children face increased demands in the formal school years.
Researchers at ASU have developed a novel method to detect DNA mutations using nanocrystals that can recognize subtle changes in DNA. This technology has the potential to diagnose genetic diseases, detect infectious agents, and provide reliable forensic analysis.
The NCR network tested its disease surveillance system, ESSENCE, in a simulated bioterrorist attack to identify areas for improvement and enhancement. The exercise showcased the system's effectiveness in providing early warning alerts to public health officials.
Researchers from WHOI studied salt fingers in the tropical Atlantic, injecting a tracer into the ocean and measuring its spread nine months later. The results showed enhanced mixing of salt and heat, with salt fingers playing a crucial role in shaping the ocean's temperature and salinity structure.
Researchers at McMaster University are studying the connection between hormone and protein levels in prostate cancer progression. The study focuses on two proteins, PTEN and Beta-catenin, which may play a crucial role in preventing tumor formation.
Researchers have drilled a historic hole in the Atlantic Ocean floor, collecting over 3,000 feet of core samples that will be analyzed for years to come. The discovery could provide new insights into how the ocean crust was formed and has evolved over time, challenging previous understanding of the Earth's interior.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that HIV vaccines may have failed due to the induction of self-reactive antibodies, which can destroy the body's own tissues. The team proposes a new approach to develop HIV vaccines by redirecting the immune response from innate B cells to adaptive B cells.
A new $8.9 million research program will utilize powerful computing resources to study the systems regulating cell growth and division, potentially leading to new cancer treatments. Dr. Stuart Kauffman, a renowned theoretical biologist, will lead the program at the University of Calgary.
The Chandra X-ray Observatory has observed an X-ray outburst from the highly evolved red giant star Mira A, revealing a bridge of hot matter streaming between it and its companion white dwarf. The detection provides insights into interactions between binary systems, including those with a collapsed star.
A study of 717,000 postmenopausal women found that oestrogen-only HRT and tibolone increase the risk of womb cancer, while combined HRT does not. The risk also varies according to bodyweight and is reduced in obese women
Researchers found that concentrated community interventions resulted in significant declines in alcohol-related fatal crashes, with 22% reductions in crashes involving BACs of 0.01% or higher. The studies also showed a 20% decline in crashes for BACs of 0.08% or higher and a 17% decline for BACs of 0.15% or higher.
The Lancet editorial highlights UK politicians' failure to address low morale among doctors, resulting in compromised patient care and a massively over-managed health service. Doctors seek a stronger political voice focused on augmenting professional standards, but no such voice exists currently.
A recent study confirms that the Earth's energy is out of balance, with an imbalance of 0.85 watts per meter squared causing a significant impact on global temperatures. The study also reveals that warmer waters will lead to accelerated ice sheet disintegration and sea level rise.
A study of 2,019 middle-aged women found that college education was protective against obesity for white women, but not African American women. The disparity in weight gain persists despite higher educational attainment.
PNNL's risk-based approach to cleanup standards reveals significant economic impacts overshadowing other effects, including recovery from radiological dispersion devices. The laboratory employs over 4,000 staff with a $650 million annual budget.
Researchers found that minocycline reduced brain cell damage, inflammation, and virus levels in SIV-infected monkeys, a potential breakthrough for treating HIV-related cognitive impairment. The antibiotic was able to calm down undefined biological pathways involved in neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent study found that genetically modified rice in China reduces pesticide use by 80% and increases crop yields by up to 9%. The research also indicates no significant impact on farmers' health. The study provides valuable information for developing countries considering genetically modified food crops.
A research team has rediscovered the ivory-billed woodpecker in the Big Woods of eastern Arkansas, with multiple sightings and frame-by-frame analyses of brief video footage. The evidence gathered during an intensive year-long search confirms that at least one male ivory-bill still survives in vast areas of bottomland swamp forest.
A new study suggests that eliminating the enzyme ACAT2 could dramatically reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Research in animals shows that cholesterol altered by ACAT2 is more likely to build up in blood vessel walls and cause atherosclerosis.
The Rush University Medical Center has been designated as the first HDSA Center of Excellence in Illinois, providing a range of medical and social services to Huntington's disease patients. The center will also explore the creation of a regional network of care providers, including end-of-life care.
Researchers from eight universities and conservation groups compiled a comprehensive database on nationwide river restoration projects, analyzing over 37,000 current projects. The study found that most projects were implemented in the Pacific Northwest or Chesapeake Bay watershed and had median costs of $57,000 in Georgia.
The project provides an online analysis of every state supreme court case heard from 1995 to 1998 in all 50 states. The database contains over 400 biographical profiles of state supreme court judges and offers insights into the impact of judicial elections on judicial behavior.
A new study found that slow recovery of normal white blood cells and high levels of leukaemic cells are predictive of relapse. The researchers discovered that these two factors predict outcome by distinct mechanisms, offering potential for personalized therapy adjustment.
A study of 135 reports found that schistosomiasis is significantly linked to anaemia, diarrhoea, chronic pain, fatigue, exercise intolerance, and malnutrition. The resulting disability was substantially higher than current World Health Organisation estimates.
A study examining 37,099 river restoration projects across the US found that individual successes exist but no consistent approach to applying best practices was identified. The Michigan team analyzed ecological success and suggests improving project management and systematic data collection.
Pradeep Sharma's research on quantum dots holds potential in detecting tumors and encrypting data. The award will support his investigation into new scaling laws for quantum dots due to mechanical strain.
Independent sightings of the ivory-billed woodpecker have been reported in eastern Arkansas, with video evidence suggesting that the bird may still exist. The birds were spotted in the region's swamps and hardwood forests, where conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for population growth.
Duke physicists create an all-optical switch using laser light and rubidium vapor, which can control stronger light beams with much weaker signals. This breakthrough could improve high-speed telecommunications networks by reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency.
A group of 25 scientists has developed a comprehensive database of 37,099 river restoration projects to draw conclusions about regional and national trends in project numbers, costs, and environmental benefits. The study highlights the need for further research on the environmental effects of different restoration practices.
Two Virginia Tech researchers are developing game theory-based approaches to improve wireless communications and designing smart garments that can sense their own shapes. These projects aim to create more efficient wireless networks and wearable technology.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a molecule that detects parasitic infections in humans, shedding light on how the body recognizes parasites. The discovery of Toxoplasma profilin and TLR11 provides crucial information for developing novel strategies to combat parasitic infections.
The ivory-billed woodpecker's reappearance sparks concerns over its long-term survival due to inadequate refuge funding. The Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest in the country, struggles to meet basic needs despite its extensive forests, which have provided a haven for the species.
Researchers found that successful teams in arts and sciences have diverse membership, with old and new members adding creative spark. Unsuccessful teams are isolated, whereas successful teams are interconnected like the Kevin Bacon game.
The river restoration field has matured into a science, with the nation's first comprehensive database of projects documenting trends and progress. Key findings include exponential growth in restoration efforts, with $14-15 billion invested since 1990, and a need for consistent monitoring to improve future efforts.
A study found that 35% of children using complementary alternative medicines (CAM) had lower vaccination rates, while 8.9% were unvaccinated for diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella. Parents' misconceptions about vaccine safety can lead to adverse events and harm their children.
Researchers have identified behaviors in infants as young as six months that can predict autism. The Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) maps the development of infants against 16 risk markers for autism, including passivity and social interaction difficulties.
A recent study found that only 10% of river restoration projects have assessment or monitoring, highlighting the need for better coordination and data collection. The study's authors called for standards for success and improved practices to restore rivers, which are crucial for environmental management.
Researchers found a significant association between high lifetime exposure to insecticides and neurological symptoms in farmers. Nearly 800 participants reported more than 10 neurological symptoms, while nearly 3,000 had a high lifetime exposure to insecticides.
The new guidelines provide a framework for identifying patients at risk of kidney disease, evaluating their kidney function, and implementing management strategies. Nearly one-third of HIV-infected patients have abnormal protein in the urine, a warning sign of potential kidney trouble.
A large-scale study identified three key areas of stress faced by new mothers: their maternal role, negative physical and lifestyle changes, and lack of social support. The study also found that personal factors such as tiredness, lack of sleep, and decreasing social activity were major concerns.
Researchers discovered highest blood iron levels among Asians and Pacific Islanders, yet lowest prevalence of associated HFE gene mutations. The study recruited over 100,000 participants to better understand hemochromatosis prevalence in diverse ethnic groups.
Researchers find that TV shows with excessive visual elements lead to a 10% decrease in viewers' ability to remember facts. Cleaned-up screens allow for better comprehension of central messages.
A study by researchers from Stanford University and the Monterey Bay Aquarium found that Atlantic bluefin tuna have a complex migratory life cycle, with two distinct populations in the western and eastern Atlantic. Tighter restrictions on commercial fishing are needed to protect their feeding and breeding grounds.