Researchers have discovered a highly specific pathway that causes inflammation in lung tissue, which may contribute to lung damage in adult patients with cystic fibrosis. The study identifies interleukin-23 and interleukin-17 as promising targets for neutralization.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that daclizumab can reduce organ rejection in heart transplant patients by 25%. The treatment also showed a lower rate of bacterial infections compared to placebo. Researchers believe this incremental step will help improve outcomes for heart transplant patients.
Dirk Inzé's pioneering work on plant cell division has revealed similarities to human cell regulation, shedding light on the mechanisms driving cancer and informing potential treatments. His research also explores the potential of plants to produce sustainable energy through photosynthesis, offering a promising solution for the world's...
Researchers discovered a fruit fly gene, f, that codes for a fusion protein enabling insect viruses to infect cells. The study found that the gene was originally transferred from an insect to a virus through recombination, leading to significant changes in viral behavior and pathology.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University aim to develop powerful chemical repellents and attractants to interfere with malaria mosquitoes' ability to find human targets. The project uses genetic engineering, molecular biology, and field-based studies to establish an effective strategy for reducing malaria spread.
Researchers identify a new marker, CD150, that helps distinguish hematopoietic stem cells from progenitor cells. The discovery uses the SLAM family of genes to precisely identify stem cells in tissue sections.
Takeda has submitted a new drug application for its combination type 2 diabetes medication, ACTOS (pioglitazone HCl) and glimepiride. This treatment aims to help patients manage their blood glucose levels by targeting insulin resistance and increasing insulin production.
A Yale University research project aims to reduce malaria transmission by identifying effective odor cues that attract or repel mosquitoes. The team will test these odors in simulated natural situations and eventually distribute them to African villages for practical tests.
A study found that withdrawing full karyotyping from prenatal diagnosis for Down's syndrome could lead to undetected other chromosome abnormalities, resulting in preventable mental or physical handicaps. The researchers suggest using PCR plus karyotyping for more efficient detection of clinically significant chromosome abnormalities.
Majkrzak's work on neutron reflectometry has significantly improved the field's ability to analyze atomic and magnetic structures. His research findings have numerous applications in biology, particularly in the study of materials at the molecular level.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that gastric bypass surgery significantly improves cardiovascular risk factors, including triglycerides and C-reactive protein levels. The procedure lowers these risks by up to 50%, even beyond what would be expected from weight loss alone.
Researchers identified an enzyme called MAP kinase as a crucial player in the fungus' attack, triggering cellular communication necessary for fungal invasion. Understanding this process is essential to develop new fungicides or resistant rice plants.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have been selected to develop new vaccines targeting dendritic cells to stimulate stronger immune responses against various diseases. The project aims to create long-lasting protective immunity against HIV, malaria, and certain forms of cancer.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has issued a report calling for strengthened codes to prevent similar nightclub fires. The recommendations aim to enhance occupant safety by implementing measures such as sprinkler systems, flammable material restrictions, and emergency preparedness practices.
A new $1.4 million ARM Mobile Facility is stationed near the beach to collect data on marine stratus clouds, which are thin, low-level clouds that cover the sky like a blanket. The facility will gather data on cloud properties, suspended particles and other atmospheric variables to analyze aerosol effects.
Richard Horton argues that the GMC is not equipped to handle complex medical-law cases and advocates for a Royal Commission to improve judicial processes and strengthen child protection services. The causes of Sally Clark's sons' deaths remain unascertained, highlighting the need for a broader approach to learning from the Clark case.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a novel 3D rendering technique for PET/CT images, allowing for simultaneous viewing of multiple modalities. This new paradigm has the potential to revolutionize diagnostic and treatment procedures for various diseases.
Researchers found that the unstructured regions of protein Ets-1 play a crucial role in controlling gene expression, acting like a dimmer switch rather than an on-off switch. The study reveals that phosphorylation affects protein activity by decreasing internal motion and altering gene binding.
A recent study by the University of Florida found that fentanyl patch abuse led to the death of 115 people in Florida last year. The abuse often involves removing the full dose from the patch and taking it all at once, either through injection, ingestion, or smoking.
Researchers found that Eastern Bluebirds were 31% more likely to be found in connected patches, while seeds from wax myrtle plants were 37% more likely to be found in traps. The study showed a 'tight fit' between predictions and actual seed movement.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a report with 30 recommendations to improve the safety of tall buildings, their occupants, and first responders. The recommendations aim to enhance fire resistance, prevent progressive collapse, and design buildings for efficient evacuations.
The Targacept compounds demonstrate a long-lasting effect on cognition by normalizing acetylcholine levels, a key neurotransmitter for cognitive processing. This mechanism of action suggests potential treatment for CNS disorders such as dementia, depression, and pain.
The DOE is exploring the potential of Active Denial Technology (ADT) to protect nuclear assets from intruders. A small-sized ADS system is being developed for DOE fixed-site applications, which has shown encouraging results in previous studies and human effectiveness testing.
A 12-week e-mail campaign increased physical activity levels and confidence in participating in physical activity. The study also found a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among those receiving the emails, while the control group experienced a slight increase.
Rates of HIV-1 infections are growing rapidly in Moscow, with the epidemic spreading beyond high-risk groups to heterosexual populations. The study highlights the urgent need for intervention, such as screening and health education, particularly among women and young people at risk.
New research by Dr Jan Bogg at the University of Liverpool reveals a strong perception that NHS managers do not view part-time workers for career advancement in the same way as full-time staff. This is one reason why women are underrepresented in senior positions, with men occupying more authoritative and influential roles.
The NIST design uses a simplified type of contact between the nanowire channel and electrodes, allowing more electrical current to flow. The results suggest that nanowire transistors can improve performance in nanoscale electronics while retaining industry's existing silicon technology infrastructure.
A new method identified by Sean J. Morrison and colleagues distinguishes hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from other progenitor cells using specific SLAM family receptors. The technique enables the purification of HSCs before transplantation, potentially leading to safer transplants.
Researchers created translucent three-dimensional crystals to study melting, finding evidence for premelting at imperfections in solid crystal structures. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of the melting process and design of strong materials resistant to temperature changes.
The Yale project aims to create a predictive model system for vaccine testing, addressing the need to predict vaccine safety and effectiveness. The team will study a novel solution using mice engineered with human immune systems, generated with technology developed in Switzerland.
Infectious disease transmission in prisons can be prevented with simple and safe harm reduction strategies, yet governments remain reluctant to endorse alternative approaches. The Lancet emphasizes the need for a global approach to acknowledge prison health's contribution to health inequalities.
A study suggests that breathing in manganese vapor during a shower can cause permanent brain damage, posing a significant risk to public health. The researchers found that concentrations as low as 0.5 milligrams per liter may lead to brain injury, despite the Environmental Protection Agency's current drinking water standard.
Researchers discovered that specific DNA sequences, known as AluYb elements, played a crucial role in human evolution by secretly spawning hyperactive copies. These elements are responsible for the development of genetic disorders such as hemophilia and some cancers.
The new Web-based modules, developed by COMET, will acquaint forecasters with the physics behind rip currents and help them use wind and wave forecasts to produce outlooks of rip-current risk. The modules include animated depictions of rip-current evolution in three dimensions.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science has identified 125 major questions that scientists have yet to answer, including the nature of dark matter and the biological basis of consciousness. The journal's special issue marks its 125th anniversary and explores these fundamental gaps in scientific knowledge.
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty treatments offer pain relief for osteoporosis sufferers, with the National Osteoporosis Foundation estimating 44 million Americans over 50 affected. The procedures stabilize fractured bones and prevent movement, providing significant cost savings.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab's Center for X-Ray Optics achieved a resolution of better than 15 nanometers using zone plate lenses, surpassing previous limits. The new technique allows for the fabrication of small three-dimensional structures and has potential applications in biology, chemistry, and nanotechnology.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a master switch in cell death, which can help control tumor formation and potentially lead to new cancer treatments. The enzyme Mule destroys a key molecule that regulates apoptosis, allowing for the degradation of proteins that control cell death.
Researchers developed guidelines for surgeons to assess whether patients are candidates for a sinus-saving modified Lothrop procedure. By analyzing CT scans and anatomy of seven cadavers, they identified critical measurements that determine the feasibility of the procedure.
Researchers at NYU's Center for Comparative Functional Genomics discovered that thousands of genes in the fruit fly genome are regulated by microRNAs, with 70% having a predicted biological function. The study suggests a larger role for microRNAs during evolution and could explain differences between species.
A recent study reveals that knowledge of the Tuskegee Study is less important than negative interactions with healthcare systems in fueling mistrust among African-Americans. The study found significant racial disparities in mistrust, with black participants more likely to believe a similar study could occur today.
Researchers at Northwestern University create a new method to produce nanowires with controlled gaps, enabling the design of devices for diagnostics and drug discovery. The technique, called on-wire lithography, allows for the fabrication of nanowires with precise electrical measurements on individual molecules.
ORNL's national lab-leading total increases to 122 with three new R&D 100 awards. The innovations include the compact and energy-efficient SEMCO Revolution rooftop air conditioner and SensArray Integrated Wafer for precise semiconductor temperature control.
The Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research is leading a $14.3 million project to store carbon dioxide in unmineable coal beds, promising to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants and prolong the life of these reservoirs. Field tests will be conducted in three target geologic formations within the southeast region.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is establishing a program to accredit voting system test labs, which will be part of the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). NVLAP accreditation is a prerequisite for laboratories to be considered as Voting System Test and Certification Authorities (VSTC...
The study has given clues to pursue in understanding human cancers, with the parasite's genome providing information on its ability to induce cancer-like cells. The genome sequence also reveals key pathways that differ between T. parva and the malaria parasite.
New research from University at Buffalo biologists found that female butterflies are attracted to the sparkle created by ultraviolet reflectivity of pupils in male butterfly wings, not the size of the eyespots. Females prefer a set of narrowly defined features, such as eyespot pupils measuring approximately half a millimeter.
Researchers found that people constructing job criteria favor the strengths of dominant groups. However, committing to hiring criteria beforehand eliminates gender discrimination in hiring decisions.
The global survey found that 26% of respondents never disclose their bipolar disorder due to social stigma, while 71% believe the public does not understand their illness. The survey also revealed that successful treatment would lead to significant quality of life changes.
Researchers have identified 10,567 active promoters in the human genome using a set of DNA microarrays. This breakthrough may help investigate genetic causes of diseases and inform personalized therapies.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that welfare reform led to increased rates of hypertension, obesity, and poor self-reported health among single mothers. The study's findings suggest that the impact of welfare reform on women's health was not fully considered in policy decisions.
A study by Michael Kitson of the Judge Institute of Management found that biotechnology firms believed economic changes had a negligible impact, but relied on large cash reserves for insulation. In contrast, aerospace firms developed portfolios of activities driven by different business cycles to reduce vulnerability.
Researchers found that Viagra can stimulate water permeability in kidney cells by increasing cyclic-GMP levels, potentially alleviating symptoms of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Long-term studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of this approach.
Researchers developed a tool that combines atomic force microscopy (AFM) with scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to monitor both topography and biochemical activity simultaneously. The technology promises to be valuable for various biomedical and biotechnological applications, including studying cystic fibrosis.
A recent NCAR study found that Alaskan and Canadian wildfires emitted 30 teragrams of carbon monoxide, causing a 25% increase in ozone levels in parts of the northern continental US and a 10% increase in Europe.
A new promoter map has been created to understand how genes are controlled in fibroblasts, providing a framework for analysis of genetic control in other human cell types. The researchers discovered multiple promoters controlling single genes in parallel and found new DNA sequences not previously recognized as genes.
Researchers have discovered that nonlinguistic monkeys have an area comparable to Broca's area, which is responsible for controlling oral and facial actions. This finding suggests that Broca's area may have evolved to control certain aspects of the speech act in humans.
A multidisciplinary team at USC Viterbi School created a two-way voice translation system that turns doctor's English questions into Persian and vice versa. The Transonics Spoken Dialog Translator uses a combination of human observation, computer code, and machine learning to achieve fluent communication.
Researchers at Queen's University have discovered a 13-million-year cycle in the mountain-building process, which is significantly shorter than previously believed. This finding has implications for our understanding of geological processes that shape the Earth, including the formation of volcanoes and deep-seated continental earthquakes.
A new study shows that ACTOS significantly improved components of diabetic dyslipidemia compared to Avandia. The results indicate that treatment with ACTOS lowered triglycerides and increased HDL-C, while improving LDL-C particle concentration and size. This is important for reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.