Researchers found insulin resistance can be detected 20 years before diabetes symptoms appear in lean, healthy young adults. Mitochondria's energy-producing function is significantly impaired, leading to a decreased ability to burn sugars and fats efficiently.
Research found that coral and rock reefs offshore played a key role in shaping the severity of tsunami inundation. Healthy coral reefs in the Maldives islands may have contributed to their narrow escape from destruction.
A study found no significant association between waiting period and pre- and postoperative mortality and morbidity for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the authors emphasize that the acceptable rate of adverse events for a managed waiting strategy remains undetermined.
A new University of Cincinnati study reveals that white individuals' general racial attitudes towards people of other races affect their preferences for seeing a doctor of the same or different race. In contrast, African Americans are more likely to prefer a same-race doctor due to perceptions of white apathy and poor past medical care...
Researchers found that HIF-1 inhibition impacts tumor biology differently depending on the local environment, with proximal cells less affected. This study suggests optimizing HIF-1 blockade to maximize effects on vasculature and minimize effects on distal tumor cells.
Researchers found that activated Stat5 levels in prostate cancer cells predict disease progression and survival rates. Patients with high levels of activated Stat5 had a 15-year progression-free survival rate of 46% compared to 62% without activated Stat5.
Researchers have developed a method to create densely packed carbon nanotube carpets with an artificial gecko foot-like grip, 200 times stronger than natural geckos. This breakthrough enables the development of dry adhesives for microelectronics, robotics, and other fields.
Researchers found that emotional ads were more effective than informational ads in persuading both highly and non-skeptical consumers. Skeptical consumers responded better to emotional appeals, which bypassed their skepticism filters.
Research suggests that babies are more flexible in perceiving musical rhythms than adults, which may be due to their developing brains being less biased by cultural norms. By 12 months old, however, infants' abilities to detect rhythmic patterns in foreign music decrease significantly.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that nutritional interventions and educational programs can significantly improve the quality of life for cancer survivors. Women who received either intervention were less likely to be depressed and more optimistic about their health than those with no intervention.
A new database, The Canary Database, tracks animal diseases linked to human health threats, such as mercury poisoning and West Nile Virus infection. The project aims to improve human health decision-making by analyzing animal sentinel data.
Researchers report on the first 10 patients to undergo totally robotic laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, achieving comparable surgical times and complication rates with a short learning curve. The study suggests that robotic technology is feasible and safe for this procedure, potentially offering a superior alternative.
A new robotic technique in weight-loss surgery, developed by Stanford Medicine, offers several advantages over traditional methods. The da Vinci robotic surgical system provides improved visualization and precise maneuvers, reducing surgical time by approximately 30 minutes compared to conventional laparoscopic procedures.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a way to reduce phytate levels in animal feed, making it more nutritious. By understanding the biochemical pathway of phytate synthesis in plants, they were able to create low-phytate strains of feed grains that could improve nutrition and reduce environmental pollution.
A Yale University study will examine dietary calcium insufficiency in inner city infants, highlighting the alarming trends of decreased calcium intake over the past 30 years. The research aims to establish guidelines for calcium in infants below age three and predict a 10-20% prevalence of abnormal biomarkers.
The study found that deleting yeast gene ISY1 increases splicing reaction efficiency and improves 3'-splice site accuracy. The researchers believe Isy1 regulates spliceosomal conformation to ensure accurate pre-mRNA splicing.
Researchers discovered that a vascular gene plays a crucial role in the growth of blood vessels in brain cells. Restoring its expression level stimulates new vessel formation and improves clearance of amyloid beta peptide, a toxin associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Alcohol intake can alter circadian rhythms, influencing heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels, and immune function. Disruptions to the 'biological clock' within the body may result in 'physiological anarchy,' with widespread pathology.
Researchers have identified tadpoles as a suitable model system for studying the lymphatic vessel network, essential for regulating fluid in the body and supporting the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new solutions for illnesses caused by faults in the lymphatic vessel network, including cancer and lymphedema.
Co-occurring anxiety disorders, particularly social phobia and panic disorder, increase the risk of relapse to drinking. Screening for these conditions is essential in alcoholism treatment settings.
A team of researchers at the University of Chicago has identified a gradient of biochemical signals, including Wnt proteins and Ryk receptor, that guide nerve growth down the spinal cord. This discovery offers new insights into how to repair or replace damaged nerves in adults.
A recent study found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to slower processing speed and efficiency, particularly in tasks requiring working memory. Children exposed prenatally to moderate-to-heavy levels of alcohol may struggle with complex cognition and social interactions as they age.
A new ASU study reveals family environment plays a crucial role in adolescent obesity, highlighting the importance of parental control over diet and limiting sedentary activities. Strong social bonds between parents and children can also contribute to weight gain.
Researchers at UCSD's Jacobs School of Engineering have successfully fabricated a transistor-like structure using customized Y-shaped carbon nanotubes, exhibiting rapid switching speeds and three-way gating capability. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new nanotechnology devices with improved functionality.
Researchers found that astrocytes can generate seizure activity by releasing the brain chemical glutamate, which hypes up neurons and causes them to fire uncontrollably. This discovery offers new hope for treating epilepsy by targeting overlooked brain cells instead of just reducing brain function.
The study found that gamblers and alcoholics have unique personality traits affecting their cravings, with gambling craving linked to positive emotions and alcohol craving tied to negative emotions. The research suggests that individuals with distinct emotional regulation patterns are more vulnerable to addiction.
A recent study by Dr. Firebaugh found that relative income is more important than absolute income in determining individual happiness in the US. The hedonic treadmill hypothesis suggests that continued income growth can lead to an ongoing consumption race where individuals consume more to maintain a constant level of happiness.
A study by Maria Charles and Karen Bradley found that women are underrepresented in computer science globally due to pervasive stereotypes and a lack of choice. The researchers argue that governments should exert control over curricular trajectories to promote equal math and science education for all students.
Research found that teens with good relationships with parents tend to have friends who are less likely to fight, more involved in extracurricular activities, and have plans for college. Parents' monitoring and supervision also play a role, although the effects were not as consistent.
The report identifies key areas of focus for improving solar energy technologies, including artificial molecular machines, smart materials, and nanotechnology-based solar cells. It also highlights the importance of basic research in addressing the nation's energy security needs.
A study found that EBCT outperforms traditional angiography in identifying coronary artery abnormalities, particularly those that pose a risk of blockage. The imaging modality's accuracy was confirmed through joint review by cardiologists and radiologists.
CRISM will map areas on the Martian surface down to house-sized scales, detecting minerals in reflected sunlight. The instrument will identify sites most likely to have contained water, making them potential landing sites for future missions.
Researchers have found that nearly 42% of ovarian cancer patient tumor tissues contain alterations in the protein km23. This discovery suggests km23 as a possible diagnostic indicator and therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Further studies aim to develop a screening test and targeted therapies using km23.
The need for consensus on IVIG dosing and frequency arises as its use expands, with infusion nurses playing a crucial role in achieving best results from therapy. The article highlights the importance of developing guidelines that maximize patient benefit and minimize risk, given the unique response to different IVIG products.
A Yale University study found that drinking alcohol may lower the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, particularly for Burkitt's lymphoma subtype. The study analyzed data from 15,175 individuals and found no significant association between age, sex, family history, or cigarette smoking with reduced risk.
The program provides hands-on research experience and networking opportunities for biomedical engineering students. Students work with medical professionals to apply their research in a professional setting.
Major ecological societies, including ESA and BES, commit to developing concrete ways to support ecologists in developing countries. The meeting aims to build infrastructure and tools to tackle environmental challenges worldwide.
Cornell researchers have discovered audio recordings that suggest at least two birds, including the ivory-billed woodpecker, are present in Arkansas. The sound of a distinct double rap and nasal 'kent' calls have been confirmed by several top ornithologists, who initially disputed the initial evidence.
The development of micro-reactors poses a challenge to the Chemical Weapons Convention's monitoring and verification capabilities. These small reactors can produce lethal chemicals with minimal signature, making it harder to detect malicious intent.
A major observational study suggests that a healthy diet rich in folates can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by UC Irvine researchers, analyzed the diets of over 500 individuals and found that high folate intake was associated with a 55% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's.
A collaborative project developed a way to study the function of genes in mice and humans using a moveable genetic element from moths. The technique, called piggyBac, allows for efficient genetic manipulation in vertebrates and mammals, enabling researchers to systematically understand the functions of mammalian genes.
A new study suggests that tropical organisms are highly intolerant to temperature changes, which could lead to mass extinctions. The research implies that climate change will have a devastating impact on the tropics, with organisms struggling to adapt to small temperature shifts.
MRI cardiac catheterization provides a detailed three-dimensional picture of the heart, enabling interventional cardiologists to see blood vessels inside and out. This technology is already being used to diagnose congenital heart disease in children and has the potential to replace traditional diagnostic catheterization procedures.
Researchers found no statistically significant effects on aggression caused by playing a violent video game, contradicting previous suspicions. The study involved 213 participants who played the game for an average of 56 hours over a month, with no evidence of increased aggressive behaviors or beliefs.
Researchers create gadonanotubes by encasing gadolinium in carbon nanotubes, significantly reducing toxicity while boosting effectiveness. The new agents show promising results in tests at Rice, Houston, and Swiss laboratories.
USGS researchers investigate reciprocal interactions between pathogens and ecosystems, finding parasites can alter predator-prey dynamics and ecosystem balance. They also examine the role of ants in monitoring ecosystem condition and the impact of fire history on alien plant invasion.
Researchers at UCLA have identified Rpe65 as a crucial enzyme in the regeneration of rhodopsin visual pigment in the retina after light exposure. This breakthrough could lead to a gene therapy cure for Leber congenital amaurosis, an inherited disease causing up to 20% of childhood blindness.
The Global Climate and Energy Project has awarded over $11 million in research grants to five institutions, including Stanford University. The grants will support studies on solar cells, fuel formulations, and carbon capture technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers have developed a new nasal vaccine that decreases Alzheimer's disease (AD) burden in mice by activating microglia to clear beta-amyloid from the brain. The vaccine combines an FDA-approved multiple sclerosis treatment, glatiramer acetate, with a safe and effective nasal adjuvant that has been tested in humans.
Researchers at Arizona State University suggest that societies can ensure stability by adopting a 'systems approach' to evaluate policies, investments, and dual-use technologies. This approach aims to enhance social and economic resiliency while meeting security needs.
Computer analysis of Inka knotted objects, known as khipu, reveals patterns supporting record-keeping and state affairs management. The findings shed light on the ancient empire's organizational system, which relied on these textile devices instead of 2-dimensional writing.
A new approach using valproic acid has shown promise in reducing latent HIV infection by 75% in three out of four patients. The researchers suggest that a staged treatment process, starting with standard antiretroviral regimens and then targeting latent viral infection with HDAC inhibitors, could lead to the cure of HIV.
Research by Vanderbilt University psychologist David Zald found that emotional images can lead to a phenomenon known as 'emotion-induced blindness,' where individuals fail to detect subsequent visual images. This effect is linked to personality traits, with those scoring high on harm avoidance being more affected.
A protein called Yorkie controls organ size in fruit flies and, when overabundant, causes increased cell growth and cancer. In humans, a defect in the gene that makes YAP may contribute to cancer.
Researchers have solved the mystery of the Shoenheimer effect, a 72-year-old cholesterol feedback mechanism. The study reveals that Insig proteins are essential components of this response and play a crucial role in regulating cholesterol synthesis.
A study by Rice University sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund found that academic scientists in the natural sciences are less likely to believe in God compared to those in the social sciences. The survey of over 2,000 faculty members revealed distinct frameworks for viewing religion and spirituality among different disciplines.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a new gene, ARNT, that plays a crucial role in the development of type 2 diabetes. The study, which used DNA chips to analyze islet cells from patients with the disease, found a marked down-regulation of ARNT, suggesting a possible new target for treatment.
Researchers studied the genetic markers of African mole-rats to understand their complex social behavior. They found that these microsatellites can reveal how traits pass from mother to offspring, potentially explaining why family members support a single mother naked mole-rat.
A new study by Aviva Must and colleagues found that childhood obesity is a significant predictor of adult weight, rather than early menarche. The research used data from the Newton Girls Study and found that overweight girls mature earlier, but this does not predispose them to be overweight as adults.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre discovered that T lymphocytes, part of the body's defense mechanism, cause airway remodeling in asthmatics. This process leads to thickening of airway muscle and increased symptoms.