Researchers mapped airflow patterns through nasal cavity using transparent models, revealing why deep breathing is needed for smelling flowers. The study's findings may aid surgeons and drug companies in developing new treatments.
A study has identified a genetic factor that determines an individual's susceptibility to HIV/AIDS. The research found that people with fewer copies of the CCL3L1 gene are more likely to contract HIV and experience rapid disease progression, while those with more copies are less prone to infection.
Researchers have completed the first complete genome sequence of Dehalococcoides ethenogenes, a bacterium that dechlorinates major groundwater pollutants. The study reveals the microbe's unique metabolic capabilities, including 19 reductive dehalogenases and five hydrogenase complexes.
Researchers discovered a correlation between the deepening of the Pacific Ocean's CCD and global cooling approximately 34 million years ago. The study suggests that prolonged absence of warm summers inhibited summer snow melt, leading to ice sheet growth.
A new protein, Lyz, has been discovered to transform into a different structure, enabling medical researchers to design drugs that can turn proteins on or off at the cellular level. This discovery could lead to treatment for difficult-to-cure diseases such as cancer and HIV.
Researchers are developing a new prototype for retrieving 3D archaeological structure data from subsurface surveying, enabling the creation of an underground image of pre-Inca city Tiwanaku. This three-year project aims to overcome technological bottlenecks in processing and fusing large amounts of sub-surface data.
Researchers analyzed over 100 water samples in the Sierra Nevada and found that more than half had no water quality issues. E. coli and other bacteria pose a greater risk of waterborne illnesses than Giardia in this region.
DermaVir induces HIV-specific immune reconstitution, eliminating need for daily injections. The vaccine has shown significant antiviral activity and minimal side effects compared to current treatments.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that overexpression of protein NuMA can cause changes in a cell associated with tumor formation. By studying the mechanism by which this occurs, the team identified a possible treatment target for some types of cancer.
A recent study found that most physicians prescribed potentially inappropriate medications for elderly patients, but adding awareness and education led to changes in prescribing practices. The researchers suggest using tools like the Beers criteria to identify these medications and plan interventions to improve elderly care.
Alcohol consumption was a significant risk factor in fatal plane crashes, with 52% occurring at night and 64% in worsening weather. Researchers hope to design programs similar to those combating drunk-driving to lower accident rates.
A study found that acute and long-term vitamin C supplementation had no effect on exercise capacity, contradicting earlier theories that it might reduce oxidative stress. Physiologists at the University of Colorado tested young and older adults before exhaustive exercise, but results showed no improvement in aerobic abilities.
Researchers have built a laboratory model of the Earth's molten core using sodium metal to simulate its behavior. The Madison Dynamo Experiment is designed to fill gaps in current understanding of how magnetic fields arise and grow, shedding light on fundamental questions about the planet's magnetic field generation.
Researchers successfully silenced SDF-1's signal in mice with simulated retinopathy, effectively halting the growth of new blood vessels. The study could lead to a treatment option using routine injections of an antibody-blocking substance into a patient's eye.
A UK study found that isolating patients with MRSA in ICUs does not significantly reduce cross-infection. The study suggests that standard precautions and hand hygiene are more effective in preventing MRSA transmission.
The Lancet proposes two solutions to address aid coordination issues in tsunami-hit regions: an inter-governmental panel and an International Commission on Global Responses to Complex Emergencies. These measures aim to prevent competing agendas from hindering relief efforts.
A Yale astronomer and her colleagues used gravitational lensing techniques to create a spatial map demonstrating the clumped substructure of dark matter inside galaxy clusters. The study found an excellent agreement between observations and theoretical predictions, supporting the concordance model.
A review of nine studies found that pre-diabetics using weight-loss interventions can lose between 2-3 kilograms or four to six pounds in one to two years. The interventions also decreased blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels slightly among pre-diabetics.
Researchers have discovered a link between DNA movement and the formation of antibody genes in specialized blood cells. The study found that a specific type of transposable element is involved in both DNA recombination mechanisms, shedding light on their relationship and potential role in cancer development.
Researchers developed a new method called direct genomic selection that accelerates the search for genetic changes linked to diseases. This approach enables scientists to identify previously unidentified genetic variations in regions of interest, such as those associated with psoriasis.
A simple sputum test has been developed to confirm childhood tuberculosis diagnosis in infants and young children. The test uses sputum induction, which was found to be effective even in young infants, with almost 40% of children under one year of age having a positive culture.
A study by U-M researchers found that night-time splinting can effectively improve hand and wrist discomfort for active workers with early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The results showed significant improvement in symptoms for half of the splinted group after six weeks.
By studying how monkeys track a visual target, researchers have gained new insights into the brain's strategies for measuring time. The findings indicate that the brain measures time by assessing the duration of a process and computing the distance an object has moved.
Researchers have discovered that glial cells play a previously unidentified role in regulating the development of sensory hair cell precursors in zebrafish. This finding increases understanding of nerve cell development and may lead to potential regenerative therapies for human hearing disorders.
The NIST/EPA study found frequent instances of underventilation and overventilation in US buildings, leading to poor air quality and occupant discomfort. Regular maintenance checks are urged to address these issues.
A new study from Newcastle University has led to the introduction of ten organic potato varieties, suitable for various national palates and cuisine, across Europe. The Blight-MOP project has successfully developed 'designer composts' to increase yields by up to 40% while introducing blight-resistant potatoes on supermarket shelves.
A new study reveals that the amygdala actively directs gaze to eye region to process fear cues, enabling individuals with damaged amygdalae to recognize fear in facial expressions. Researchers suggest training patients to always look at eyes may rescue impaired fear recognition.
Researchers have made significant advancements in understanding Earth systems using highly detailed GPS observations. A new technique has improved the accuracy of GPS data by correcting for a time lag built into current satellite systems, allowing for more accurate measurement of dynamic ground motion. Additionally, studies have reveal...
A study by Rachel Herz at Brown University found that responses to new odors depend on emotions experienced while the odor was present. Participants who played a game and watched a film clip rated the new scent as enjoyable and familiar, whereas those who played a frustrating game rated it as unpleasant.
Researchers analyzed 29,508 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT with iopromide. The study found that 29,297 experienced no adverse effects, while only four were severe out of 211 reported cases. This large-scale study provides insight into the safety of iopromide in a diverse patient population.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that the brain processes Silbo Gomero, a unique whistle language used by Spanish shepherds, similarly to how it deciphers spoken languages. The researchers found that left hemisphere language regions were uniquely adapted for communicative purposes, independent of the modality of signal.
A new British study found that 41 percent of extremely premature babies have severe or moderate mental impairment at six years old. Only 20 percent have no neuromotor or mental disability. The March of Dimes emphasizes the importance of preventing prematurity, with a focus on research, education, and support for families.
Researchers observe enormous cavities surrounding a supermassive black hole, preventing gas from cooling and forming new stars. The discovery sheds light on the universe's structure and supports recent theories about black holes' role in shaping galaxy evolution.
Astronomers discovered a record-breaking eruption of hot gas and cavities in galaxy cluster MS 0735.6+7421, fueled by a super massive black hole growing at an incredible rate. The event generated energy equivalent to hundreds of millions of gamma-ray bursts.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed aerodynamic improvements and flow control techniques that can reduce fuel consumption in heavy trucks by as much as 11-12 percent. The technologies, inspired by systems originally developed for jet aircraft wings, also enhance braking and directional control, potentially imp...
Researchers found that power lines can achieve near-gigabit per second transmission rates under ideal conditions, making them a potential alternative for broadband internet in rural areas. However, engineering issues such as impedance matching and interference need to be addressed to make this technology economically viable.
A recent study reveals that US homes suffer from over 12 million nonfatal unintentional injuries annually, with falls, poisoning, and burn injuries being the leading causes of such incidents. The research emphasizes the critical need for action to reduce injury risks within the home, particularly among vulnerable age groups.
A large multi-center clinical trial is planned to test the safety and efficacy of antibiotics in treating ALS. Daily injections of ceftriaxone delayed nerve damage and extended survival by 10 days in mice with a Lou Gehrig's disease model.
Researchers have discovered a new protein, SP-1, with unique structural characteristics that can survive extreme conditions. The protein has the ability to assemble into a structure composed of 12 identical units, making it exceptionally resistant to conditions and promising for medicinal applications.
Researchers found that recognizing faces requires visual perception, while lower-level aspects like orientation can be processed without awareness. The study used binocular rivalry experiments and inattentional blindness to demonstrate the importance of visual processing in face recognition.
A new high-resolution ultrasound imaging device, SCAD, can monitor and diagnose bone quantity, density and strength in space. The technology has the potential to aid diagnosis for a number of skeletal disorders and improve treatment outcomes for people suffering from osteoporosis.
Researchers have developed a new stand-alone detector that can identify three types of biological agents: bacteria, viruses, and toxins. The Autonomous Pathogen Detection System continuously monitors the air like a biological smoke detector, providing information required before public-health action can be taken.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found a significant association between passive smoking and an increased risk of developing cervical neoplasia. Women who lived with smokers had a 40% or greater risk of developing cervical neoplasia, highlighting the importance of reducing secondhand smoke exposure to prevent cervical cancer.
Scientists studying Pinatubo's rivers found that some have not recovered to stable channels, necessary for aquatic species and ecological recovery. The high amount of sediment remains a threat to human settlements, posing risks of flooding and loss of life.
The European Skeletal Dysplasia Network (ESDN) enables doctors to submit patient data and x-rays to a secure portal, where it's referred to experts in six countries for accurate diagnoses. The system overcomes geographical barriers and brings together scarce clinical resources for rare conditions.
A study of 502 patients with coronary artery disease found that statin therapy lowered both LDL cholesterol and C-reactive protein levels, leading to slower disease progression. The research suggests that inflammation plays a key role in cardiovascular disease and may be useful in patient management.
A new computer-aided detection (CAD) system has been developed to detect colon polyps obscured by contrast-enhanced fluid in the colon. The algorithm successfully identified 19 out of 22 polyps in a study involving 17 patients, highlighting its potential to reduce missed diagnoses and lower cancer risk.
Researchers have identified two types of immune cells in the liver that can cause scarring or repair it. Understanding these cells may lead to new treatments for cirrhosis, a major cause of liver failure.
The Swift X-ray Telescope has successfully captured its first gamma-ray burst afterglow, marking a significant milestone in the mission to understand these mysterious events. The telescope will help scientists pinpoint the location and nature of the explosion, providing crucial clues about the origins of gamma-ray bursts.
The Indonesian earthquake's unique combination of a subduction zone and shallow depth made it particularly deadly, resulting in over 150,000 deaths. Scientists have developed technology to warn people of pending tsunamis, but an early warning system is lacking in the Indian Ocean.
A new study found that HSV-1 DNA was present in the eyes and mouths of nearly all healthy participants, highlighting the widespread nature of the virus. The research suggests that controlling virus excretion could limit transmission and is a simple way to evaluate new antiviral drugs.
The Huygens probe will parachute onto Titan's surface on January 14, studying its thick atmosphere and clouds with six science experiments. DISR will take images of the surface for over two hours, creating panoramic views of the ground and horizon.
Researchers found that depressed patients are twice as likely to die within two years after their first heart disease episode compared to non-depressed patients. The study also discovered a stronger link between depression and higher risk of death in studies published before 1992.
Researchers found that reduced CRBP-I function compromises RAR activity, leading to loss of cell differentiation and tumor progression. The study suggests that somatic CRBP-I loss may contribute to breast cancer development and highlights the need for further research into vitamin A's role in cancer prevention.
Researchers found that 50% of c-MYC-induced mammary cancers persisted in mouse models despite c-MYC gene blockage. Residual cancer cells quickly recovered malignant properties after treatment and eventually progressed to independent growth states.
Researchers found that drinking chamomile tea increased urinary levels of hippurate, a compound associated with antibacterial activity, and glycine, an amino acid that relieves muscle spasms. The compounds remained active for up to two weeks after stopping tea consumption.
A study found that women taking SSRIs with CYP2D6 variant alleles had lower tamoxifen metabolite levels, potentially impacting treatment efficacy. The authors suggest testing CYP2D6 genetic variants to personalize tamoxifen therapy.
In an animal study, stem cells from human umbilical cord blood significantly reduced the size of heart damage and restored pumping function to near normal after a heart attack. The researchers suggest that these stem cells could be a new treatment for limiting or repairing heart muscle damaged by a heart attack.
Scientists have discovered a new gene, Bnip3L, that helps p53 eliminate cancer cells under low-oxygen conditions. Silencing this gene allows tumors to grow more aggressively in hypoxic environments.
Scientists discovered that humans have only 30,000 genes, far fewer than expected, and that RNA editing plays a crucial role in protein diversity. A-to-I RNA editing has been linked to various diseases, including ALS, epilepsy, and depression, and may shed light on evolutionary processes.