Researchers used a new brain-mapping technique to study the neural connections involved in sleep regulation. The study found that neurons producing orexin, which helps keep animals awake, receive inhibitory signals from sleep-active neurons and reinforcing signals from wakefulness-activated neurons.
A recent study by Fred W. Turek and Joseph Bass found a possible link between sleep disturbances and metabolic syndrome in mutant mice. The research suggests that altered circadian rhythms and hormone regulation, including leptin and ghrelin, may play a role in the development of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers develop customized antibodies that work together to target and destroy cancer cells. The therapy shows significant synergy, with a single combination of antibodies leading to more than three times greater effectiveness than a solo antibody in inhibiting HER2 signaling.
A malaria vaccine, RTS, S/AS02, has shown substantial protection in trials, with 30% and 58% effectiveness rates. However, an efficacious vaccine is not yet available for widespread use due to funding and organizational challenges. Experts predict a decade-long timeline for the development of a viable vaccine.
Researchers have discovered that a faulty body clock can wreak havoc on the body's metabolism, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. In a study published in Science, scientists found that mice with a misaligned internal timepiece gained weight and developed metabolic abnormalities when fed regular or high-fat diets.
Researchers at NIST developed an X-ray technique to analyze high-intensity gas discharge lamps, revealing the spatial distribution of mercury atoms. This understanding improves lamp design and energy efficiency, saving $10 billion annually in U.S. electricity consumption.
A new generation of smart gear has been developed to minimize the accidental deaths of hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and juvenile fish. The innovations include weighted, deep-set lines that reduce encounters with sea turtles while increasing tuna catch, as well as avoidable, detectable gear for marine mammals.
The Roll Back Malaria partnership, which includes WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank, has failed to achieve its aims of reducing malaria mortality. Despite a seven-year initiative, malaria rates have increased, making it unlikely that the 2010 target to halve deaths will be met.
Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have made a groundbreaking discovery that enables temporary metabolic hibernation in mice, reducing oxygen dependence and potentially extending organ preservation time before transplantation. This technique could also accelerate wound healing in diabetic patients and improve cancer treat...
Recent tests by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that portable radiation detectors perform well enough to meet new consensus standards, but produce inaccurate readings for low-energy X-rays. The results highlight the need for manufacturers to better design and characterize their instruments.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a molecule on immune cells that plays a critical role in the sexual transmission of HIV. Blocking this molecule could prevent HIV from spreading infection, potentially reducing its ability to infect new individuals.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have developed a new technology that uses allicin to target and destroy cancer cells. By attaching the enzyme alliinase to an antibody already in clinical use, they can deliver a continuous supply of allicin to penetrate and kill cancer cells.
Researchers have discovered that the enzyme hDOT1L activates a key set of genes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leading to unrestrained growth and a hallmark of the disease. The study suggests that targeting hDOT1L could be a promising approach for treating AML, particularly in cases where patients carry specific genetic mutations.
Researchers analyzed whale skeletons and farm soil using metagenomics, discovering specialized bacteria that thrive in these environments. The study provides a new understanding of the diversity of microbial life on earth, with potential applications in fields such as agriculture and medicine.
A study found that increased activity in the prefrontal cortex predicts higher dopamine levels in the midbrain in individuals with the val COMT gene type, while decreased activity is seen in those with the met type. This suggests a 'tuning' model where dopamine regulates signal-to-noise ratios in brain cells.
The Antarctic Peninsula glaciers have been in widespread retreat over the past 50 years, with most glaciers shrinking rapidly. However, 32 glaciers are showing minor advance. The study suggests that warming is the key cause of this change.
A new study found that administering anti-malarial drugs to infants just three times can reduce the incidence of malaria by 59% in the first year of life. The treatment, known as intermittent preventative malarial treatment (IPT), was also shown to provide long-term protection against malaria episodes in children up to two years old.
A new study found that 87% of the 244 marine glaciers have retreated over the last 50 years, with the trend moving southward from the warmer northern tip of the peninsula. The glacier retreat is linked to atmospheric temperature increases, and may affect sea level rise if ice shelves continue to break up.
Researchers found that a novel form of restricted complement activation occurs on viable sperm upon exposure to follicular fluid, aiding in the fusion process between sperm and egg. This targeted activation may have implications for other cell-cell interactions.
The study reveals novel receptors that enable the fungus to recognize its environment, as well as secreted proteins used to damage rice plants. The M. grisea genome contains retro-elements, which may contribute to its rapid evolution of new strains.
Researchers found that children aged 3-7 years old who underwent epilepsy surgery experienced significant improvements in development, with 82% showing stable gains and three children gaining over 15 points in IQ. Seizure-free outcomes were linked to better cognitive function 2-3 years post-surgery.
Researchers developed Environmental Genomic Tags (EGTs) to assess environment vitality and signal progress in remediating contaminated environments. The EGT approach captures a DNA profile of a particular niche, reflecting the presence and levels of nutrients, pollutants, and other environmental features.
A recent study has found that a combination of artemether-lumefantrine to be highly effective in treating malaria in children aged 4-59 months. The treatment showed an impressive success rate of over 96% in a Tanzanian trial, paving the way for its potential use as a substitute for failing therapies in African countries.
Researchers at UC Berkeley develop a silver superlens that breaks the diffraction limit, enabling resolution of up to 60 nanometers in images of nanowires and biological samples. This breakthrough opens doors to advances in nanoengineering, biomedical imaging, and high-density electronic circuitry.
A genetic study found significant associations between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and alcohol dependence in a Russian population. The variations were in the GABRA2 receptor subtype, which is involved in regulating brain activity and can decrease activity of the entire brain and body.
A University of Oregon psychologist recommends creating a new national institute on child abuse and interpersonal violence to address the pressing issue. The study highlights the alarming consequences of child sex abuse, including serious mental and physical health problems, substance abuse, and victimization in adulthood.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a key mechanism behind antibiotic resistance in bacteria. By analyzing the structural changes caused by a single nucleotide mutation, they found that this alteration reduces the ability of antibiotics to bind to ribosomes, allowing resistant bacteria to rapidly cause infections.
Researchers found well-preserved cedar timbers, curved steering oars, and limestone block-anchors from ancient Egyptian ships. The discoveries shed new light on Egypt's sea-faring past and provide insight into trade expeditions to the Red Sea region known as Punt.
Research suggests that maternal diets high in omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer in daughters. In contrast, high consumption of omega-6 fatty acids has been linked to increased estrogen levels, which can contribute to the development of breast cancer. The study's findings support...
The article by Plutarchos Sakellaris and Focco Vijselaar explores how capital quality contributes to economic growth in the Euro area. The authors examine the sources of economic growth, including financial crises and deregulation, and discuss the importance of policy interventions.
Stanford researchers found that louder neurons outcompete quieter ones for space, forming larger branches and more connections. Regularly firing neurons in stimulating environments tend to create longer, more complex arbors.
Researchers at JLab and College of W&M studied radiation blockers to enhance nuclear imaging accuracy. They found that higher doses of potassium iodide blocked radioactive iodine uptake better in mice. The study uses a unique medical imaging system and precise detectors, providing insights into the body's metabolism and thyroid function.
Researchers found that football players suffered significantly more neck injuries than those playing hockey or soccer. The study attributed this increase to the design of football tackles, which impede opposing player motion.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that reducing BRCC36 expression by 80 percent increases the number of breast cancer cells killed by radiation. This discovery holds promise for future breast cancer treatments, targeting radiation-resistant cancer cells.
A large cohort study found that high consumption of processed meats was associated with a significant increase in pancreatic cancer risk. The study, which followed over 190,000 participants, suggests that chemical reactions during meat preparation may be responsible for this link.
A recent US study found no benefit from treating C. pneumoniae bacteria with an antibiotic in reducing the risk of heart attack or improving overall cardiac outcomes. The Azithromycin coronary events study (ACES) assigned over 4,000 participants to receive either antibiotics or a placebo for one year.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that prolonged neural activity in the brain's arousal centers triggers the release of adenosine, leading to feelings of drowsiness. Caffeine works by blocking this process, allowing people to stay awake.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that members of the same sex can mate and produce offspring in the infectious fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. This novel type of sexual cycle allows for genetic exchange between individuals, potentially providing an advantage for the fungus.
A study examining 372 stroke patients found that CT perfusion imaging can accurately determine which patients will benefit from clot-busting medicines or clot retrieval devices. The results show a significant reduction in hemorrhages compared to traditional time-based treatments.
A new study published in Nature suggests a connection between erosion rates and tectonic forces in the Himalaya region of Nepal. Researchers found that erosion rates increase significantly at the base of steep mountains, potentially influencing global climate change.
Researchers found a key gene, sec15, that plays a crucial role in brain wiring and cell contact choices. The study used sophisticated genetics to analyze the fruit fly brain, revealing aberrant wiring patterns and protein misplacement in neurons lacking sec15.
Recent experiments suggest that strange quarks may have zero contribution to the nucleon's charge and current distribution, but a positive trend is observed for the proton's magnetic moment. Further precise measurements are needed to confirm these findings.
A Medical College of Georgia researcher has developed a mouse model to study the immune system's initial response to cancer. The goal is to understand how the body decides which cancer cells to attack and which to ignore, in hopes of developing new treatments that utilize the body's natural defenses.
Research identifies cigarette smoking as a modifiable risk factor for the progression of multiple sclerosis. Patients who were current or past smokers were 3.6 times more likely to develop secondary progressive MS than those who had never smoked.
Researchers have confirmed that methotrexate and leflunomide are safe and effective treatments for children with severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The study found a higher response rate in children compared to adults, providing new hope for families affected by this chronic disease.
Researchers found a previously unknown safety circuit in the brain that contributes to feelings of security and well-being, contradicting previous theories that linked anxiety disorders only to fear. The discovery may lead to new treatments targeting sense of safety and security.
Researchers have identified a new tumor suppressor gene, ARLTS1, that increases the risk of cancer in some individuals. The findings suggest that ARLTS1 may play an important role in the development of certain types of cancer, particularly familial cancers.
A new study found that antibiotic treatment with azithromycin did not reduce the risk of heart attacks, unstable angina, or other cardiac events. The study enrolled over 4,000 participants and followed them for nearly four years, with no significant difference in outcomes between those receiving antibiotics and placebo.
Despite improved personal protection equipment, trusts continue to struggle with chemical incident management. Staff reported difficulties with suit assembly, decontamination, and disposal procedures, highlighting the need for further training and equipment refinement.
The HER-2 gene has been found to play a major role in prostate cancer recurrence, according to a new study published in Cancer Research. Inhibiting the HER-2 protein may provide a novel treatment strategy for targeting advanced prostate cancer.
A study of over 800 participants found that each gender tends to think risks are higher for their own sex than for the other. Men were more likely to believe men are at risk of accidents, while women believed women are more likely to experience cancer and mental illness.
The researchers developed a novel molecular reporter system to visualize the activation of protein Src, which plays a key role in cell growth and development. By studying mechanical stimuli on Src activation, they discovered that biochemical signals spread across cells through structural elements like actin filaments and microtubules.
A survey of clinical academic staffing in paediatrics and child health found a worrying decline in lecturer numbers, with a 26% reduction over five years. The decrease is linked to an increase in medical students, putting pressure on existing lecturers and threatening teaching quality.
Researchers have developed a new model that accurately forecasts US hurricane activity, enabling skilful seasonal predictions to benefit individuals and decision-makers. The model uses height-averaged winds as a predictor, exhibiting significant linkages to US landfalling hurricanes.
Researchers used nuclear imaging to study how mice absorb radioactive iodine, finding that a dose five times higher than the FDA-recommended dosage is needed for effective protection. The team discovered that using this higher dose can improve image quality and reduce false-positive readings.
Researchers in the Jefferson Lab CLAS collaboration found no evidence of a pentaquark, contradicting earlier signals. The team will take more data in 2006 to search for the particle in a different channel and at higher energies.
Studies found that mice conditioned to associate beeps with safety showed reduced 'freeze' responses and increased exploration, suggesting a neural overlap between safety and danger processing. The researchers suggest that targeting these mechanisms could lead to new treatments for psychiatric disorders involving anxiety and addiction.
Researchers used RNAi to silence STAT3 in mouse breast cancer cells, finding a 75% reduction in protein expression. This reduced the ability of cancer cells to invade normal tissues, offering new insights into cancer metastasis.
Researchers found microorganisms living in highly acidic conditions with high metal and silicate concentrations at Yellowstone's Norris Geyser Basin. These discoveries could provide clues about ancient life on Earth and aid in the search for life on Mars.
A clinical trial conducted by Italian scientists found that green tea catechins inhibited cancer cell growth in men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, leading to a 90% efficacy rate in preventing prostate cancer. The study identified Clusterin as a key mediator of the catechins' action.