A nationwide study by UCI researcher found that nitrogen fertilization can have a devastating impact on rare plant species, causing a decline in diversity and even local extinction. The study analyzed 967 plant species across various ecosystems and identified simple plant traits as predictors of species risk.
Three marine phages, sequenced from cyanobacteria in low-nutrient oceans, exhibit genes adapted for infecting photosynthetic bacteria. These genes may help the host maintain photosynthesis during infection, and could influence phage ecology and range.
Researchers identified two strains of lactobacillus that can trap and block HIV, potentially providing a safe and cost-efficient method for preventing its spread. The technology could be used to protect infants and women in poor countries via fermented foods or feminine products.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology shows that drug eluting stents are just as effective and safe for women as they are for men. However, female patients experience higher re-intervention rates due to smaller vessels and perceived narrower narrowing.
Happiness has been found to be related to the functioning of key body processes, including lower cortisol levels and healthier cardiovascular systems. Researchers also discovered a Chinese herbal medicine component that can inhibit cancer cell growth.
River restoration projects worldwide lack agreed upon criteria for judging ecological success, leading to constrained natural processes. A new approach emphasizes creating resilient systems and minimizing lasting harm to ensure successful restoration.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have developed a groundbreaking water treatment technology combining ozone and ultraviolet light, providing highest level of public health protection while lowering harmful byproducts. The technology has been implemented in major cities worldwide and is considered cost-effective for many c...
Researchers found breast cancers in African women more likely to originate from basal-like cells and often lack estrogen receptors, making them less responsive to standard therapies. This study highlights the need for rethinking screening guidelines and treatment approaches for these patients.
Researchers found that men who used statins had half the risk of advanced prostate cancer and a third of the risk of metastatic or fatal prostate cancer. The study suggests statins may offer benefits for preventing invasive and metastatic prostate cancer.
Researchers investigated neural activity associated with infant sleep states in rats using techniques such as neural recording and microlesioning. The study found striking parallels between the active sleep of week-old rats and conventional definitions of adult sleep, indicating a developmental continuity between infancy and adulthood.
Researchers have identified a common intermediate to activate ATR in response to various forms of genotoxic stress, including UV-induced cross-links and oxidative damage. This discovery highlights the importance of proper DNA detection and response to prevent genome instability and cancer.
A breakthrough in gene therapy has successfully corrected hemophilia in laboratory animals by producing a normal level of clotting factor activity and preventing bleeding incidents.
A study assessed dermatologists' perception of 4,036 skin lesions and found that irregularity, ugly duckling sign, and recent change are key factors. These findings suggest that teaching the public to recognize these patterns could improve early detection of melanoma.
Recent Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences article highlights the alarming rate of vertebrate invasions between Europe and North America. With a 25% chance of invasion for each introduced animal, precautions like port inspection and exotic wildlife regulations are crucial to combat invasive species.
A study by Cardiff University explores the reactions of 38 parents whose children were newly diagnosed, finding that intense emotions and insecurity prevail for up to 12 months after diagnosis. The parents' comments reveal ongoing fear and anxiety about their child's condition and its impact on daily life.
A team of researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno has developed a proton beam with 100 times higher quality than conventional particle accelerators, fitting on a tabletop. This breakthrough technology could enable precise treatment for cancers previously untreatable, such as those in the head region.
A recent study published by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that statin use may lower the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer by half. The researchers tracked 34,438 male health professionals and found that those taking cholesterol-lowering drugs had a significantly reduced risk of advanced prostate cancers.
Researchers at RHIC have discovered a new state of matter that exhibits nearly perfect fluid motion, contradicting early theoretical predictions. The hot matter formed in collisions of gold ions moves collectively in response to pressure variations, displaying a high degree of coordination among particles.
A recent study published in Circulation found that rapid weight gain during the first week of life is significantly associated with being overweight two to three decades later. The research, led by Dr. Nicolas Stettler, suggests that this critical period may be crucial in programming lifelong physiology.
A recent study found that surgery for children with sleep apnea can significantly improve their quality of life. Adenotonsillectomy was shown to improve QOL scores and polysomnogram parameters, with improvements seen six months after surgery and sustained at one year.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have developed a non-invasive test to monitor kidney cancer patients by analyzing DNA methylation patterns in urine samples. The test, called methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can detect even a few cancer cells among healthy cells with high specificity.
A study of 750 consecutive morbidly obese patients found that complication rates decreased significantly after the first 100 cases, with a mean complication rate of 13% and stable death rate of 0.3%. High-volume programs demonstrated better patient outcomes due to significant experience with the procedure.
A recent study found that only three out of 21 streptokinase preparations met the minimum requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia, highlighting the need for stricter calibration and monitoring. The lack of reliable testing methods and inadequate post-marketing control allow substandard drugs to enter the market.
Starting salaries for new chemists have remained stagnant since 2002, with median salaries ranging from $32,500 to $43,600. Despite modest gains in employment rates, the overall job market remains challenging for young chemistry graduates.
The UN University's new book Regulating Bioprospecting highlights the need for effective policies and institutions to tap into bioprospecting's potential. Experts argue that poor regulatory environments and market imperfections hinder investments in drug research and development from developing countries.
A Danish study found that sunburns occur most frequently among adolescents and young adults, who also exhibit the most risk-taking behavior when outdoors. Women tend to experience more sunburns due to longer exposure times during peak sun hours.
Penn researchers have determined the structure of Erbitux's binding site to cancer cells, providing new insight into how it blocks cell growth-promoting activities. This finding will steer future treatment design for colon-cancer medications and potentially lead to easier delivery methods.
The experimental DNA vaccine is composed of a small piece of DNA that contains genes coding for two key surface proteins of the West Nile virus. In the study, 15 healthy volunteers will receive three injections of the vaccine into the upper arm to monitor their immune response.
A study of 237 children who underwent ear tube placement surgery at ages 5-16 months found that their hearing levels remained comparable to age-matched normal ears. The number of abnormal outcomes decreased over time, and repeated surgeries were more common in those with more serious conditions.
Researchers have discovered five giant impact basins on Mars that lie along a great circle, indicating that asteroids collided with the planet's equator. The finds suggest that running water likely existed in the region before surface water diminished, which is crucial for future manned missions to Mars.
Acute stress temporarily mobilizes all major types of immune cells, which may enhance the immune system's ability to protect against infections and diseases. However, chronic stress may weaken the immune system, and excessive stress can worsen pre-existing inflammatory illnesses.
Researchers found that combination therapy with antibiotics and vaccination is the best strategy for preventing death and disease, while also being the least costly option. The study suggests that widespread pre-attack vaccination is not particularly effective due to high costs, emphasizing the need for rapid distribution systems.
A study by UCLA found that children on school buses are exposed to high levels of diesel pollution, comparable to urban areas. The researchers analyzed six buses and found that intake fraction values were significantly higher than typical U.S. urban areas.
A 29-year study reveals that as ocean temperatures rise, the average weight of elephant seal pups decreases, impacting their survival rate. The decline in weaning weights coincided with an increase in mothers' foraging time and a decrease in mass gained.
A Cornell graduate student has been awarded the AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leader Award. The winner, Laughlin, will participate in a two-day event in Washington D.C., meeting with Congressional leaders and attending briefings by key government officials. She will also discuss federal programs supporting biological research.
A new study on anthrax attacks suggests post-attack vaccination plus antibiotic therapy is the most effective strategy. Meanwhile, an analysis of data from a large randomized trial found that both metformin and lifestyle changes can slow metabolic syndrome progression, with lifestyle change providing greater benefits.
Researchers found 11% fewer plant species on ski pistes compared to off-piste plots, with machine-graded slopes having five times more bare ground. The team suggests establishing environmental goals in ski resort management and avoiding areas with high conservation value.
Researcher Mike Robbins is testing drugs that block receptors to prevent cognitive impairment from whole-brain radiation. The goal is to develop a treatment for the 20-40% of patients who experience chronic brain damage.
A non-surgical method called mesotherapy claims to remove fat and contour the body, but there is no scientific evidence supporting its safety or efficacy. Plastic surgeons recommend liposuction instead due to its proven track record of safely removing fat.
Duke physicists Berndt Mueller and Steffen A. Bass contribute to the search for a superhot quark-gluon plasma by analyzing experimental data from RHIC collisions. Their work provides evidence that the matter created in these collisions exhibits unique properties, challenging current physical theory.
Researchers identified 45 genes linked to leukemic cells' ability to resist treatment by at least two of the most widely used antileukemic drugs. The study found a poor prognosis for patients with cross-resistant ALL cells.
A recent study found that patients taking calcium supplements had a 36 percent reduction in polyp formation, with even greater protection against non-neoplastic hyperplastic polyps. However, the protective effect diminished over time, falling to a non-significant 19 percent after 10 years.
A population-based study found that long-term NSAID use significantly reduced the risk of developing oral cancer in light to moderate smokers, with a 65% decrease observed compared to non-NSAID users. The most effective NSAIDs were those used by smokers with low pack-year tobacco consumption.
A team of researchers from Case Western Reserve University propose an alternate view on the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), suggesting that neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) may be protective against oxidative stress. NFT-bearing neurons can survive for decades, and their presence may be a response to reduce oxidative damage.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a new class of drugs that stop the formation of blood clots without increasing bleeding risk, offering a safer alternative to aspirin. The PI 3-kinase inhibitors may prove vital in treating heart attack and stroke patients, with promising results from animal studies and phase I trials.
A recent study identified specific genetic signatures associated with treatment failure and chemotherapeutic cross-resistance in pediatric leukemia. The researchers found that expression of certain genes was linked to inferior treatment outcomes, providing new targets for overcoming de novo multiple-drug resistance.
Researchers say virtual colonoscopy may be the answer to improving screening rates for colorectal cancer. The non-invasive test is highly sensitive and specific, while also being convenient and cost-effective, with minimal risk of side effects.
Researchers found that soil quality played a crucial role in shaping Polynesian farming patterns, with farmers adapting their agricultural system to optimal zones for sweet potato cropping. The study suggests that the emergence of warrior classes was linked to surplus agriculture and the ability to produce basic foodstuffs.
Researchers found that exposure to BPA and BBP altered gene expression in mammary tissues of young rats, increasing protein production with age. The study suggests these estrogens could contribute to breast cancer development.
Patients who had surgery in the summer months with high vitamin D intake showed better disease-free survival rates (83% vs. 46%) and overall survival rates (72% vs. 30%) compared to those with low vitamin D intake or winter surgeries. The study suggests a potential link between vitamin D and improved cancer outcomes.
The study found that sulindac induced expression of the p21 gene, which suppressed tumor formation even in mice missing key tumor suppressor genes and fed a high-fat diet. The researchers suggest that p21 activation through sulindac offers protection against both genetic and dietary factors contributing to cancer development.
A study of 301 patients with glioblastoma multiforme found that the 'SS' variant genotype of hTERT significantly improved survival rates, averaging 25 months compared to 14 months for other genotypes. The research suggests new treatment directions for this aggressive cancer.
Researchers found that green and black tea significantly inhibited cataract formation in diabetic rats. Both teas also decreased glucose levels, which can contribute to diabetic complications such as cataracts.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified 130 genes that affect the replication of retrovirus-like elements in yeast. These genes have clear relatives or homologs in the human genome, providing a rich source for candidate host genes to develop new anti-retroviral therapeutics.
Researchers developed a test to measure CDK activity, which accurately predicts tumor response to Tarceva. A second study found that increased CDK activity correlates with sensitivity to Taxol, providing preclinical evidence for developing a novel device to measure CDK activity in human tissue.
Researchers analyzed gene-expression libraries from daf-2 mutants to identify genes critical to aging. They found that metabolic processes were repressed in early and mid-life adults, contributing to longevity. Stress-response factors were also differentially expressed, suggesting protection against cellular stress may increase lifespan.
Scotland's population is expected to fall below 5 million by 2042, with the number of people aged 65 and older rising by 61% and fertility rates at historically low levels. The research initiative aims to provide evidence to inform policy decisions on migration and childbearing.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discovered a chocolate compound that stops cancer cell cycles in lab experiments. The compound, pentamer, deactivates tumor suppressor genes and proteins involved in regulating the cell cycle, preventing cancer cells from dividing.
Researchers discovered that shape-altering genes, known for their role in embryonic development, direct ovarian cancer cells to take on various forms. These unique shapes make each form of ovarian cancer distinct from one another and the surface epithelium.
Researchers discovered two most chemically primitive stars, HE0107-5240 and HE1327-2326, offering insights into the universe's early stages. These unevolved dwarf stars have iron contents significantly lower than previously known stars, providing a glimpse into the elements produced during supernova explosions.