Researchers found that the brain uses signals from vestibular organs to make on-line adjustments to whole-body voluntary movements. This mechanism may be especially valuable in complex, high-precision movements such as gymnastics or circus performances.
A two-year study by researchers from Ohio State University and Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Ecologia found no evidence of genetically modified maize in southern Mexico. The study analyzed over 153,000 seeds from 870 maize plants in Oaxaca and found no transgenic material.
A new study estimates that S. aureus infections cause an average of 292,045 hospital stays per year, resulting in 3 times longer stays, triple the total charges, and five times higher risk of in-hospital death compared to non-infected patients. The study also found that antibiotic-resistant strains are becoming increasingly common.
A team of UW-Madison scientists has developed a technique to easily manipulate and exchange the sugars found in chemicals produced in nature. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-cancer treatments by allowing researchers to rapidly scan the roles of different sugars in complex natural products.
Scientists study soil insects to develop sustainable pest control methods, such as using flavanoid compounds and silk to deter pests. Researchers also investigate the impact of genetically modified crops on soil organisms, revealing potential effects on springtails and earthworms.
A case-control study involving 445 men found an association between cumulative cosmic radiation dose and nuclear cataract risk among commercial airline pilots. The odds ratio was 3.02 for pilots compared with nonpilots, indicating a potential causative factor in nuclear cataracts.
A study analyzing government census data finds that housing growth in and around US national forests is threatening biodiversity and ecosystem health. The number of housing units within national forest boundaries increased from 500,000 to 1.5 million between 1950 and 2000, largely due to private land ownership.
Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a new technique for quantum cooling that uses lasers to create a one-way wall. This innovation could lead to advances in atomic clocks and the manipulation of atoms and molecules at extremely low temperatures, enabling researchers to test laws of quantum physics.
Research found moderate hyperinsulinemia increases CNS inflammatory markers, linking insulin resistance to AD risk. Insulin-induced inflammation may contribute to AD pathology in nondiabetic adults with obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, and hypertension.
Researchers used diffusion MRI to measure water movement in treated fibroids, showing significant signal intensity and ADC values. This non-invasive technique may improve monitoring of ultrasound treatment success and be useful for other focused ultrasound treatments.
Researchers have discovered that cyclin D1 overexpression disrupts BRCA1's normal role as a cancer inhibitor in breast tumors. Cyclin D1 binds to the same estrogen receptor as BRCA1, negating its tumor suppressor function and promoting cell proliferation.
The study found that elevated CO2 and nitrogen levels had minimal impact on grassland production, but high levels of phosphorus reduced growth. The results suggest that natural systems cannot sequester as much carbon as previously thought, leading to faster-than-expected climate change.
Researchers have achieved a record-breaking stop of light for over one second using electromagnetically induced transparency. A new model clarifying the mathematical basis for diversity in Darwinian evolution has been developed, suggesting that related species emerging from a common ancestor can quickly evolve in different directions.
A new model suggests that the transition from a hydrogen-rich atmosphere to an oxygen-rich one occurred approximately 2.4 billion years ago, driven by the escape of hydrogen atoms into space. This allowed free oxygen to oxidize the crust and eventually dominate the atmosphere.
Researchers found DDT-resistant fruit flies confer a two-fold advantage when inheriting the resistance gene, allowing them to thrive even without pesticide use. This discovery has implications for antibiotic resistance in bacteria, suggesting measures may not halt its spread.
Researchers identified 57 predictor genes that can accurately predict breast cancer patients' response to chemotherapy, offering a powerful tool for personalized treatment. These genetic markers can identify patients most likely to benefit from chemotherapy, potentially shifting focus away from standard treatments.
Research by University of Bath scientists shows that DDT resistance confers an advantage when inherited through females, leading to its global spread. This discovery challenges the common assumption that genetic resistance always carries a fitness cost.
Scientists created a luciferase-based monitoring system using the firefly protein to track IKK activity in tumor cells and inflamed liver cells. This allows for real-time monitoring of drug effects and fine-tuning of dosages, saving time and cost compared to traditional methods.
A telephone survey of over 3,500 US adults found conflicting attitudes towards HIV vaccine research. The survey revealed that some groups have misconceptions about vaccines and the importance of diverse participation in clinical trials.
The National Human Genome Research Institute is expanding its efforts to develop faster and cheaper DNA sequencing technologies. The goal is to lower the cost of sequencing a mammalian-sized genome to $100,000 and eventually cut it to $1,000 or less, enabling routine medical care and personalized diagnosis.
A study of the Haughton Impact Crater has revealed life-friendly features at ground zero, including hydrothermal systems and blasted rocks that are easier for microbes to inhabit. The crater's unique geology makes it a prime target in the search for signs of past or present life on Mars.
A study published by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has identified the EMP-1 protein as a biomarker for resistance to gefitinib, a targeted cancer drug used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer. The research found that EMP-1 is present in tumors of patients who fail to respond to treatment with gefitinib.
Researchers followed 8527 people over 13 years to investigate the link between depression, fatigue, and cancer. Despite finding behaviors that increased cancer risk, they found no association between vital exhaustion scores and cancer risk.
Researchers at UCLA discovered a link between nighttime death and sleep apnea caused by the loss of brain cells. Studies in rats suggest that the human brain also loses specialized neurons responsible for breathing during sleep, leading to severe breathing disruptions.
Researchers identify signal in damaged brain that prevents cells from restoring lost myelin; HA accumulation linked to CD44 protein. Oligodendrocyte progenitors can be prevented from maturing into myelin-producing cells, while injection of HA into damaged myelin prevents reforming.
Research reveals fungal microbes use tandem repeats in genes to change protein conformations, evading the immune system and causing diseases. The study also explains why certain beers are cloudy or clear, providing new insights into brewing.
Researchers discovered that hyaluronic acid inhibits oligodendrocyte progenitor maturation, leading to brain damage. The findings offer clues on reversing some forms of brain damage and improving lives of thousands of infants.
Researchers at UNC have discovered that CIB1 inhibits cell migration in cancer cells by activating PAK1, a kinase that adds phosphate groups to other proteins. This finding suggests that CIB1 may be a potential target for developing new treatments to decrease tumor metastasis.
A study found that grammatical thought processes significantly affect ambiguous pronoun resolution, with the grammatical aspect being more important than order-of-mention. The results suggest our brains infer meaning from parts of speech and think in grammatical terms, supporting the importance of learning grammar rules.
A program recruiting and supporting family therapists of color helps increase diversity among students and faculty. The initiative incorporates mentorships, community partnerships, and long-term institutional commitment to foster a more diverse and inclusive field.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MRI is more comprehensive than SPECT in assessing heart damage in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. MRI was able to detect small areas of heart damage and provide important data on cardiac function, whereas SPECT only became relevant if no abnormaliti...
The capacity for assisted living and in-home care nearly doubled between 1990 and 2002, while nursing home beds declined by 7.4% during the same period. The growth of these alternative care options is attributed to shifting long-term care policies and increasing demand for community-based services.
Researchers at Salk Institute demonstrate that telomere length does not dictate aging and lifespan, contradicting previous assumptions. They found that non-dividing cells, such as nerve cells, play a crucial role in aging, and targeting telomeres alone is insufficient to prevent accelerated aging.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that speakers use disambiguating words to avoid confusion for listeners. Acting as a listener with ambiguous instructions makes participants more aware of speaking ambiguously, prompting them to adjust their language.
The study found that using a 180-degree X-ray tube position, minimum current, and 80 kVp settings can significantly reduce radiation exposure in CT scans. This approach allows the table to absorb low-energy X-rays, minimizing breast exposure without compromising image quality.
Astronomers have found a large population of obscured quasars, which are thought to be hidden behind dust in galaxies. The discovery sheds light on the growth habits of black holes at the heart of active galaxies.
The University of Houston College of Optometry has awarded five graduate students with fellowships from the American Optometric Foundation, recognizing their excellence in research and teaching. The students will pursue full-time careers in optometric research and education.
A meta-analysis of epidemiological studies found a positive correlation between milk consumption and an increased risk of ovarian cancer. High intakes of dairy foods and lactose may contribute to this association, with a 13% increase in risk seen for every 10 grams of lactose consumed daily.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a tiny infrared laser that can detect explosives and chemical warfare agents, setting the stage for a portable system to warn against potential threats. The far-infrared laser's high power and efficiency make it an ideal source for sensitive chemical analysis.
Researchers have discovered cells in discarded placentas that can develop into specialized cells like liver, pancreas, and nerve cells. The amniotic epithelial cells express genes similar to those of embryonic stem cells, but with limitations, offering a potentially new source for regenerative medicine.
Researchers used new software to analyze fossilized tooth surfaces, revealing that early humans like Australopithecus africanus ate tougher leaves and Paranthropus robustus ate harder foods. The study also showed unexpected variability in the samples, suggesting both species relied on less preferred foods during periods of scarcity.
A recent study published in Conservation Biology found that global warming is a major threat to the extinction of the Sinai baton blue butterfly. The research showed that the butterfly's population is vulnerable to habitat destruction caused by livestock grazing, regardless of the level of future habitat loss.
The DOE's Multiscale Mathematics program addresses scientific problems spanning multiple time scales and length scales, funding over 100 researchers across the US. The program aims to develop new multiscale mathematics algorithms and analysis to support research in fuel cell design, accelerator design, combustion processes, and materia...
A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that mothers are discriminated against in the workplace due to cultural biases. The study showed that mothers are more likely to be rejected for job opportunities and face lower wages compared to non-mothers, as they're held to a harsher performance standard.
A new tool measures cocaine residue in river and sewage waters, revealing an average daily use of at least 27 doses of 100mg cocaine per 1,000 young adults. This exceeds official national estimates, with 40,000 doses used daily in the Po valley.
Researchers found a disrupted brain wave pattern in patients with schizophrenia, which may help understand attention deficits. The study aims to develop a biological test to distinguish patients with schizophrenia from those with bipolar disorder.
A new study by Virginia Tech researchers has found that some products passing the National Sanitation Foundation Section 8 standard may have a greater capacity to leach lead into water, exceeding previously believed limits. The study's findings highlight the need for updated standards and regulations to address this complex issue.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a prototype handheld gas phase chemical sensing device and a liquid phase sensing device using small quantum cascade lasers. The devices can detect levels of chemicals as low as 30 parts-per-billion, enabling fast response times for applications such as breath diagnostics and water monitoring.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute find that adult stem cells fuse with muscle cells to form functional tissue, contradicting the long-held idea of transdifferentiation. This discovery has significant implications for stem cell therapies targeting organ regeneration.
A new contrast agent enables quicker and more thorough MRI screenings for potential living liver donors. The study found that this agent can image the liver, bile duct, and vessels simultaneously, reducing the need for separate examinations.
Harvard Medical School researchers developed a new DNA sequencing technology that can sequence human genomes at a fraction of the cost using off-the-shelf instruments and chemical reagents. The technique uses fluorescent dyes to identify DNA bases, allowing for high accuracy and rapid sequencing.
Researchers found that higher folate levels were associated with healthier birth weights, contradicting previous findings. The study suggests that fortifying everyday foods with folic acid could be an effective solution to improve health outcomes.
A recent survey in Botswana has found a significant increase in drug-resistant tuberculosis, with 10% of new patients showing resistance to at least one anti-TB drug. The study suggests that enhanced interventions are needed to contain the burden of tuberculosis in Botswana and prevent further drug resistance.
A new clinical trial at UT Southwestern Medical Center has shown that cognitive therapy can effectively treat recurrent depression in patients. The study, which involves 16-20 sessions of cognitive therapy over 12 weeks, has been shown to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD).
A combined analysis of two trials found a 40% decrease in risk of events such as recurrences or new cancers when switching from tamoxifen to anastrozole after 2 years. However, more patients experienced bone fractures on anastrozole.
Researchers have provided unprecedented insight into the properties of super-hard ceramic materials, which exhibit unusual pliability and potential applications in fields like aerospace and medical implants. The study's findings could lead to the development of stronger materials with improved ductility and control over their properties.
Researchers accurately predicted fMRI signals in patients while watching a movie, validating its use in human neuroscience research. The findings also highlight the importance of further study to understand the correlation between fMRI and single neuronal activity.
A new study by researchers at NIEHS found that over half of the US population is sensitive to one or more allergens. The prevalence of positive skin test responses was significantly higher in NHANES III than in NHANES II, coinciding with an increase in asthma cases between 1980 and 1996.
The article highlights the involvement of doctors in torture and prisoner abuse, with some institutions blurring their ethical guidance. Dr. Michael Wilks calls for a reversal of assault on international bodies like the UN to address this issue.
Drillers penetrate active fault zone to observe earthquakes up close, allowing scientists to study conditions under which earthquakes initiate and grow. The SAFOD project combines data from the borehole with thousands of seismic measurements to investigate plate tectonics and fundamental scientific questions.