Researchers have found that Sangamo's ZFN-modified cells are resistant to HIV infection, whereas control cells are infected. The treatment works by disrupting the CCR5 gene, a receptor required for HIV entry into immune cells. This approach has advantages over other drugs in development, which require constant antagonist presence.
Women with the CYP2D6 genetic variant were more likely to experience breast cancer recurrence when treated with tamoxifen. Researchers also found that this group was less likely to suffer from hot flashes, which may predict the gene variation.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have made a breakthrough discovery about the role of miRNA-1 in the early stages of heart development. They found that miR-1 helps determine heart progenitor cells and maintain them until later embryonic stages, which could lead to new strategies for cardiac regenerative medicine.
Riboswitches are RNA elements that control gene expression in essential metabolic pathways. Researchers at Yale University have identified pyrithiamine as a toxic compound that disrupts these pathways, leading to the development of new antibiotics.
A study confirms that rice research has contributed significantly to poverty reduction in China and India. The research shows that improved rice varieties can increase farmers' income, lower food prices, and boost demand for labor, ultimately lifting millions out of poverty.
Aplysia sea slugs use a system to mix and release chemicals, including L-lysine, L-arginine, and an enzyme protein called escapin, to defend against predators. The secretion stimulates feeding behaviors in some animals but deters it in others, and may also have antimicrobial properties.
A Mayo Clinic study found that women with a genetic change in the CYP2D6 enzyme are at higher risk of breast cancer relapse when treated with tamoxifen. This genetic variation can also reduce the development of hot flashes, a common side effect of tamoxifen treatment.
A new study reveals that reliable resources like salmon, high population densities, and the defense of territories were crucial for the development of marked inequality in North America. Conversely, Australian Aboriginal societies on the tropical northern coast exhibited 'transient inequality' due to polygyny and high resource availabi...
A recent study found that traditional risk-factor scoring misses one-third of women vulnerable to coronary heart disease, highlighting the need for additional screening methods. Cardiac CT scans are recommended for certain groups of women based on their Framingham Risk Estimate and calcium scores.
The CHIKYU drillship, operated by JAMSTEC, has completed its first coring operations in the ocean. Two piston cores, 50 meters and 70 meters long, were retrieved from 1,200-meter water depths, revealing olive-grey diatomecious mud with ash layers and potentially absorbing CO2 density levels.
Researchers found that cancer cells can signal surrounding tissue cells to alter their molecular composition, promoting tumor growth and proliferation. The study suggests that cell mutations that promote cancer progression may arise in non-cancerous cells, indicating a need for broader anti-tumor therapies.
A new EU project is focused on developing cheaper, smaller ferroelectric films for use in microwave communication devices. These films have high dielectric permittivity and can be used to create voltage-controlled capacitors and tuneable microwave components.
Researchers found that electrical synapses in the thalamic reticular nucleus can undergo long-term changes, influencing brain rhythms and behavioral states. The study provides new insights into neural plasticity and its role in regulating sleep, wakefulness, and other critical brain functions.
A study analyzing 35 soldiers' remains identified lice carrying DNA from Bartonella quintana and Rickettsia prowazakii, linking these diseases to Napoleon's retreat from Russia. The findings suggest louse-borne diseases were a major factor in the army's decline.
A new study suggests a way to treat lung cancer in women, who are dying from the disease at higher rates than breast cancer. Researchers found that aromatase inhibitors can block estrogen-driven tumor growth in lung cancer cells.
Researchers have developed a strategy to deliver PDGF-BB to the infarcted heart using injectable self-assembling peptide nanofibers, protecting cardiomyocytes from death and preserving cardiac function. The therapy reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function in rats.
Researchers found that all-purpose floor detergents containing no phosphate are just as effective as lead-specific cleaners in removing lead from household surfaces. HUD's new guidelines will incorporate the findings, addressing concerns of 24 million US homes with significant lead levels.
Scientists have developed new methods to study the connection between regulatory DNA and disease, using a combination of genome-wide associations and cell culture data. The study identified over 3000 genes that could be subject to modification of activity due to common genetic variations.
A study found that a change in one amino acid in the SLC24A5 gene plays a major role in determining human skin color. Researchers discovered that this mutation contributes up to 38% of the range of skin color in European populations.
A new study found that the food additive dihydrocoumarin inhibits the activity of Sir2p and SIRT1 enzymes in yeast, which are forms of sirtuin also found in humans. This inhibition increases cell toxicity and decreases lifespan by up to 30%.
A study of over 79,000 women found that prepregnancy obesity rates increased by 9.2% between 1999 and 2003, linked to higher risks of gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, and labor complications. The trend was observed regardless of age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic factors.
Researchers at UCSD found that E. coli exhibits only six distinct functional states regardless of the carbon source or electron acceptor used, suggesting a surprising level of simplicity in its metabolic processes. The study suggests that this principle may be generalizable to other species.
Ohio State University researchers have developed a process to uncoil long strands of DNA and form precise patterns, potentially enabling the creation of biologically-based electronic circuits. The technique involves using a tiny rubber comb to pull DNA strands from water and arrange them into complex structures.
A novel class of 23-24-nt small RNAs has been identified in Tetrahymena, participating in a second distinct RNAi pathway. The discovery sheds light on the diversity of sRNA functions and biogenesis mechanisms, with potential applications for other systems.
Researchers found that badgers in areas with culling had larger home ranges and travelled more widely, increasing their contact rates with cattle. This suggests that culling is ineffective in controlling cattle TB and highlights the importance of ecological research in policy-making.
Scientists have engineered human brain progenitor cells to produce a growth factor that has shown clinical promise for treating Parkinson's disease. The cells were transplanted into rats and monkeys, delivering the drug where it is needed, promoting nerve fiber growth and improving survival of defective cells.
A new case of dementia arises every seven seconds worldwide, with 60% of those affected living in developing countries. By 2040, rates are projected to rise by 71% in developing countries and 100% in developed countries.
The American Society of Agronomy has published a new CD, 'Soil Wetting Agents', providing practical information on the technology behind soil wetting agents to improve water absorption on golf courses. The resource addresses a gap in turf management education and is available for purchase online.
The NIH is funding two new biomedical technology resource centers to develop innovative image-guided therapy technologies and advance glycomics research. The centers will provide critical resources for scientists and clinicians, including image processing tools, dynamic MRI methods, and novel therapy techniques.
A new programmable chip has been developed to accelerate the production of molecular imaging molecules for PET, with a 93% accuracy in detecting Alzheimer's disease. The technology enables mass production of diverse imaging molecules and applications for PET in biology and pharmaceutical research.
The study recommends five fundamental principles for clinicians to follow in making decisions about artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH), including consistency with medical condition, prognosis, and patient goals. The authors argue that ANH is a medical therapy with substantial risks and burdens, requiring technical procedures and ...
Researchers discovered Ku70 protein as critical for Rickettsia conorii entry into mammalian cells, enabling disease understanding and potential treatment. This finding suggests a new approach to combat Rickettsial infections and other intracellular parasites.
Researchers have developed fully stretchable single-crystal silicon with micron-sized wave-like geometries that can be used in high-performance electronic devices on rubber substrates. The technology has the potential to enable applications such as sensors, artificial muscles, and robotic sensors.
Biologists at Georgia Tech found a strong negative linear relationship between genome size and effective population size in 1,043 species of fish. This suggests that larger genomes may evolve due to reduced genetic variation, not as an adaptation.
Researchers developed a strategy to deliver PDGF-BB to cardiomyocytes using self-assembling peptide nanofibers, protecting them from injury and reducing infarct size. This approach holds promise for tissue regeneration after cardiac injury.
A new study by the University at Buffalo, Yale University, and Oregon Health and Science University found that hospital-level care can be provided at home for less money and with fewer clinical complications. The program, called Hospital at Home, resulted in fewer important clinical complications, greater satisfaction, and lower total ...
Research reveals that drought-stressed soils create an environment conducive to the spread of fungal disease by predatory periwinkles, which graze on cordgrass. This top-down approach to salt marsh ecology challenges long-held assumptions about the main causes of marsh die-off.
Columbia University researchers found that stem and progenitor cells are deficient in a quality control checkpoint, leading to chromosomal defects. This deficiency may explain how cancer stem cells arise from normal cells and acquire mutations that increase tumor malignancy.
A University at Buffalo medicinal chemist is working to develop rules for targeting RNA, which could lead to the design of efficient compounds to inhibit specific RNA sequences. This approach has the potential to treat diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders, offering a more targeted alternative to DNA-based treatments.
A group of 40 leading cancer scientists proposes a Human Epigenome Project to map the chemical modifications to DNA that comprise the epigenetic code. The project aims to unlock the epigenomic information stored in the genome for the benefit of human health.
Researchers develop complete quantum mechanical solution for system with four charged particles, simulating double photoionization of H2. The study explores electron correlations and their effects on ejection patterns, resolving debates between kinematic and correlation-based explanations.
Researchers propose that mass cooperative food foraging in army ants evolved to subdue large prey, a theory supported by the observation of Cheliomyrmex andicola feeding on giant earthworms and snakes. The species' unique jaw structure and venomous sting may play a key role in this behavior.
Researchers found that bats with functioning touch-sensitive receptors on their wings can fly more accurately and snag their prey in midair. The study also reveals the importance of Merkel cells, specialized 'touch' cells common in human skin, which help bats detect airflow across their wings.
A team of bio-archaeologists confirms the existence of human activity in northern Europe dating back approximately 700,000 years. The findings were made using a newly-refined technique of amino acid analysis and published in Nature.
Researchers have successfully treated hereditary spastic paraplegia by delivering a normal paraplegin protein to spinal motor neurons via gene therapy. This approach improved motor function in mice and holds promise for treating other forms of peripheral nerve damage caused by genetic mutations.
Children with a specific gene variation are more susceptible to respiratory illness when exposed to second-hand smoke. The USC study found that these children are four times more likely to miss school due to lower-respiratory illness, and their risk increases with exposure to multiple smokers.
Researchers found that sweet taste's analgesic efficacy is influenced by how much a child likes sweets and their weight status. In the study, sucrose preferences were determined for 198 children, with those who preferred higher levels of sweetness experiencing reduced pain when consuming sweet tastes.
A California-based study found that genetic susceptibility caused by a variant genotype influences the risk of respiratory-related school absences due to second-hand smoke. Exposure to second-hand smoke increased the risk by 51% for lower respiratory illness in genetically susceptible children.
The new section will showcase peer-reviewed research and original content on science education, focusing on undergraduate and graduate levels. Innovative approaches to teaching, such as collaborative research and novel methods, will be highlighted to promote productive scholarly and public discourse.
The new education section aims to revitalize science education by featuring peer-reviewed research, scholarly literature reviews, and original writing. It focuses on undergraduate and graduate level education while showcasing innovations in K-12 science education.
The American Physiological Society has honored 16 scientists with prestigious awards and distinguished lectureships, recognizing their significant contributions to the field of physiology. The recipients include Jo Rae Wright and Ulrich H. Von Andrian, who received the Walter B. Cannon Award and Henry Pickering Bowditch Award, respecti...
The UK Select Committee on Science and Technology has been criticized for its lack of knowledge about research use in public policy and funding bodies it monitors. This oversight allows the committee to ask irrelevant questions, compromising the integrity of British science.
A team of researchers used a 100-nanometre wide x-ray beam to study how nanolayers buckle in bent high-tech carbon fibres. They observed the local strains and orientation of carbon layers in the fibre, revealing key findings on nano-buckling.
Researchers found that plateosaurs adjusted their growth to environmental conditions, growing faster in abundant food and slowing down during scarcity. This discovery challenges the conventional understanding of dinosaur growth, which was previously thought to be similar to modern mammals.
A team of researchers has uncovered a remarkable developmental pathway in stem cells, revealing a natural compensatory mechanism that could affect their therapeutic applications. This self-regulatory system helps stem cells differentiate into specific tissues, and disrupting it may be necessary to induce the desired outcome.
A new study found that radiotherapy significantly reduces breast cancer mortality and local recurrence rates, particularly in women with lymph node involvement. Radiotherapy can improve long-term survival, especially for those with a history of breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy.
Researchers found a significant association between women who have experienced recurrent SIDS and complications in future pregnancies, including smaller gestational age infants and preterm deliveries. The study suggests a possible mechanism for recurrent SIDS that may be linked to previous infant death.
New analysis confirms a logarithmic relationship between population size and time-to-extinction, providing insights into extinction dynamics. The study also reveals that ten populations exhibiting 'extinction vortices' show deteriorating dynamics as extinction approaches.
Researchers found that periwinkle snails, normally harmless, played a significant role in killing off thousands of acres of salt marsh in the Southeast during intense droughts. The study reveals that extreme climatic events can trigger formation of grazer fronts, leading to habitat die-off in stable ecosystems.
A randomized controlled trial found that fish oil supplementation prevented a reduction in heart rate variability in elderly subjects exposed to indoor air pollutant particles. In contrast, soy oil supplements showed a marginal, nonsignificant protective effect against the negative impact of particulate matter on heart rate variability.