Researchers found a double line of defence in plants, with PEN2 enzyme releasing fungicidal substances and another mechanism involving EDS1, PAD4 and SAG101 proteins. This multi-step defence system is crucial for plant durability against parasite attacks.
Rutgers researcher Shumyatsky has identified a new gene that controls both learned and innate fear, which may lead to the development of new anti-anxiety agents. The discovery was made through a combination of mouse genetics, cellular electrophysiology, and behavior studies.
A study found that male SIDS infants had 120% higher testosterone levels than non-SIDS males, while females had 50% higher levels. The researchers suggest this may contribute to the risk of SIDS due to its effect on breathing during sleep.
Researchers are exploring nanostructures to detect and target cancer cells, offering potential cost-effective diagnostic methods. Nanoshells can destroy tumor cells when heated with laser light, while nanoparticles combined with hormones and peptides are being tested for imaging and targeting.
A study of 5,700 patients found that carriers of a specific genetic variation had a 43% higher risk of death, heart attack, or stroke. The research aims to tailor drugs to individual patients based on their genetic makeup, potentially leading to safer and more effective treatments.
A study using mouse models found that B. pertussis toxin inhibits neutrophil recruitment, delaying antibody-mediated clearance and allowing repeated infection. Another study identified thrombospondin-1 as a novel mediator of ischemic damage in the kidney, which may be a target for drugs to reduce kidney failure risk.
Researchers have discovered how plants use genes to fight off powdery mildew disease, a common fungal infection that affects over 9,000 species of plants. By disabling protective genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, the researchers found that a complex gene system can signal cell death and spare healthy cells from infection.
A new study suggests that malaria may play a key role in mother-to-child transmission of HIV during pregnancy, with high levels of proinflammatory cytokines stimulating HIV replication. Researchers are calling for further investigation and consideration of routine testing and treatment to reduce fetal infection risks.
Jefferson and Delaware researchers create a novel method to detect breast cancer using tiny nanotubes and antibodies, which increase electrical current when cancer cells bind. The technique shows promise for detecting cancerous cells in seconds, potentially replacing days-old histology sectioning methods.
A team of experts, including those from the NIH and the US Department of Justice, identified 850 of the 2,749 reported missing after the 9/11 attacks using DNA analysis. The panel's recommendations include improving forensic DNA typing systems and designing processes to test novel identification procedures.
A phase III study shows Actemra significantly reduces radiographic joint destruction and disease activity scores in patients with early aggressive rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse events.
The Australian healthcare system is expected to face significant challenges in the coming years due to an aging population and chronic conditions. To address this, experts are calling for urgent changes in training models to prioritize team-based care and primary care training.
New Jersey Institute of Technology researchers are developing technologies to assist children with cerebral palsy, including a robotic arm that guides human motion and interactive video games to promote motor skill improvement. The goal is to enhance the children's quality of life by reducing stiffness in their joints.
Researchers identify columnar grain boundaries as cause of whisker and hillock formation. Alternative electroplating method aims to disrupt these structures, reducing environmental hazards and improving component reliability.
Researchers found elevated tungsten and cobalt levels in Fallon's air, differing from nearby towns. The findings suggest a possible environmental cause for childhood leukemia cases in the area, prompting further research to examine the relationship between these metals and cancer development.
Researchers have identified a new genetic link between PDE4B and DISC1 genes and mental illness, shedding light on the root causes of schizophrenia. The discovery suggests a potential new way of thinking about developing better treatments for this debilitating disease.
Researchers identified ten new genes connected to longevity in yeast, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms involved. The study's findings may eventually lead to understanding and manipulating aging processes, with potential applications in humans.
Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory conclude that competitive accretion cannot explain observed star-forming regions. The new model, which favors gravitational collapse, accurately predicts the formation of massive stars and heavy elements in supernovae. Turbulence opposes gravity, preventing rapid core collapse.
Researchers found that stathmin controls both innate and learned fear in mice, with knockout models showing impaired ability to learn fear and reduced instinctive fear. The study provides genetic evidence for the expression of innate fear and memory formation.
Scientists have identified two key signaling proteins, Tor1 and Sch9, that are linked to both nutrient uptake and the aging process in humans. By studying these proteins in yeast cells, researchers hope to understand how caloric restriction affects lifespan and develop new strategies for targeting age-related diseases.
Scientists have discovered a novel protein complex that allows methanogens to survive in environments with sulfite, a toxic compound. The enzyme, coenzyme F420-dependent sulfite reductase, converts sulfite into sulfide, an essential nutrient for the organisms.
Scientists have found that injecting a specific amino acid into rats can alter their gene expression, raising hopes for potential treatments for diseases. The study also showed that certain nutrients can influence gene expression in animals even after birth, sparking interest in the role of diet in shaping our genes.
This article discusses various rehabilitation techniques for individuals with disabilities, including a new method to monitor voluntary movement in people with spinal cord injuries and the benefits of smart wheelchairs. It also explores the impact of ground surfaces on wheelchair propulsion and the effectiveness of hybrid-diffractive l...
Researchers found that pravastatin increased endogenous stem cells for cardiac repair, independent of cholesterol-lowering action. High doses improved cardiac function and coronary blood flow in hibernating myocardium, a condition where heart cells reduce their function due to insufficient blood flow.
A team of astronomers has discovered a hot Jupiter planet in a triple star system, challenging conventional theories of planetary formation. The discovery suggests that it is possible for planets to form around the host star and then be captured by a binary system, explaining the unusual configuration of the HD 188753 system.
The UK's top science stories highlight significant advancements in bone health technology, underwater archaeology, and superconductors. These innovations hold promise for improving human health, enhancing technological capabilities, and shaping the nation's future economic development.
Duque was honored for his innovative contributions to skeletal health research and education in the field. He aims to define vitamin D's role in regulating osteogenic cells and its impact on bone metabolism in the elderly.
A global signaling study suggests that cancer's genesis may be linked to the haphazard activation of secondary signaling pathways by proteins. The researchers found that only two human ErbB receptors, EGFR and ErbB2, become promiscuous when overexpressed, recruiting a large number of different signaling proteins.
Darbepoietin showed significant protection to heart tissue and improved cardiac function when administered 1-2 hours or 24 hours after an ischemic event. The findings suggest potential for quick translation into clinical trials.
Blazer is recognized for his contributions to understanding risk and protective factors, long-term illness course, and sequelae of depression in later life. He has also played a major role in the MacArthur's Foundation's Network on Successful Aging.
Researchers found that Trichostatin A (TSA) reduced lupus symptoms, including kidney inflammation and enlarged spleens, and effectively treated atherosclerosis in mice. The drug works by preventing genes from expressing proteins involved in both diseases, offering hope for simultaneous treatment.
MabThera demonstrates significant improvements in symptom parameters, including tender and swollen joint counts and fatigue, with higher response rates compared to methotrexate alone. The treatment was well-tolerated, with consistent safety profiles across the six-month analysis.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) presents the 2005 M. Powell Lawton Award to Dr. Mary Tinetti, recognizing her commitment to translating research into practice through collaborations with top health organizations. At Yale University, she has established a renowned geriatric clinical epidemiology program.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has released research reports on wait times for cancer, joint replacement, and sight restoration. The studies provide a framework for developing evidence-based benchmarks and identifying gaps in existing research.
Golimumab, a fully-human anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody, achieves primary endpoint and shows significant improvement in signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Patients receiving golimumab plus MTX achieved higher ACR response rates compared to placebo.
Researchers discovered sequence variations in the DISC1 gene that predict schizophrenia, neurocognitive deficits, and brain structure abnormalities. The study's findings offer hope for developing a treatment that can prevent or fix the protein's function.
Researchers at UCSD develop mice models expressing high amounts of alpha-synuclein to study its effects on the nervous system. The models aid in understanding the causes of multiple system atrophy and developing treatments to slow disease progression, potentially benefiting patients with Parkinson's disease as well.
Researchers found that CBZ-ERC significantly reduced manic and mixed symptoms for patients with Bipolar I Disorder. The study also showed that the medication was generally well-tolerated, with only 14.3% of patients experiencing a relapse.
Researchers found that Carvedilol has anti-arrhythmic properties that can reduce cardiac death and atrial fibrillation. The study suggests an alternative to implantable cardiovertor defibrillators (ICDs) for managing patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death.
Patients with active psoriatic arthritis treated with REMICADE experienced a high degree of sustained clinical improvement in arthritis, including significant reduction in structural damage. The treatment also showed sustained improvement in functional status and quality of life, as measured by the Short Form 36 questionnaire.
Bengtson has received four teacher-of-the-year awards and chaired 34 doctoral dissertations, influencing numerous graduate, undergraduate, and professional students. He is a past GSA president and has mentored eight postdoctoral students with tenure-track appointments in the field of aging.
A new robotic surgery-stenting combo has shown promising results in opening blocked coronary arteries and speeding up patient recovery. The procedure involves using the left internal mammary artery to bypass blocked areas and reduce scarring and disability, with patients returning to work within a week.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully created a biological pacemaker using connective tissue cells from lungs and heart muscle cells, paving the way for an alternative to implanted electronic pacemakers. The biopacemaker uses tiny electroactive 'pacing cells' that can fire on their own and regulate the heart's rhythmi...
Case Western Reserve University's Noelker has advanced the role of research and services in improving quality of life for older adults. Her work focuses on workforce issues, increasing job retention among nurse assistants and home health aides.
Researchers at Imperial College London have directed embryonic stem cells to become cartilage cells, showing potential for growing new cartilage for transplantation. This breakthrough technique could also be used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, offering a new solution for joint replacements and other medical problems.
Researchers found African-Americans had a 70% lower risk of dying in the hospital and better one- and six-month outcomes following coronary interventions. However, these benefits disappeared after one year, highlighting the need for aggressive adherence to risk reduction recommendations.
Researchers found that watching violent scenes can impair cognitive flexibility, while a beta-blocker medication can promote flexible thinking under stress. The study used propranolol to block the brain's normal response to stress and improve performance on word association tasks.
Researchers have found that women with lupus are at high risk of heart disease due to the presence of pro-inflammatory HDL in their blood. The discovery may lead to an effective test to identify patients at increased risk and prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
The discovery of Dallasaurus, a three-foot long lizard that lived 92 million years ago, fills a gap in the understanding of mosasaur evolution and reveals that they transitioned from land to sea. The fossil find provides significant insights into the biology and natural history of mosasaurs, which were top predators in their ecosystem.
Research reveals that the number of serotonin receptors in the subgenual prefrontal cortex affects the amygdala's emotional state, influencing behavior in stressful situations. Higher levels of these receptors can reduce rational 'discussion' and lead to increased amygdala activity.
Researchers investigate compounds like thalidomide, arsenic, and insecticide-derived drugs for their potential to treat solid tumors and various types of cancers. These novel approaches aim to overcome resistance to existing treatments and reduce adverse effects associated with hormonal ablation therapy.
The PROactive study shows ACTOS significantly reduced the recurrence of heart attacks and acute coronary syndrome in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes. The medication demonstrated a 28 percent reduction in fatal or non-fatal heart attacks, as well as a 37 percent risk reduction in acute coronary syndrome.
A Scripps-led study finds that climate warming will shrink key water supplies around the world, affecting millions. Glacier-dependent regions like China, India, and parts of South America are particularly vulnerable to vanishing glaciers, which will lead to costly disruptions in water supply and resource management systems.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that regular physical activity may lower breast cancer risk in both black and white women. Women who exercised for at least 1.3 hours a week had a 20% lower risk of breast cancer compared to inactive individuals.
Dr. Anstey, a fellow at Australian National University, has been awarded the prestigious 2005 Margret M. Baltes Award by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her groundbreaking work on cognitive aging. The award recognizes her significant contributions to advancing our understanding of this critical aspect of human development.
This article explores how diseases, drugs, and chemicals affected famous artists such as Michelangelo, Edvard Munch, Ivar Arosenius, and Vincent van Gogh. Clinical laboratory analysis is providing new insights into their creative achievements.
UC Davis researchers found that therapy-induced leukemia develops from the rearrangement of the MLL gene and factors that activate programmed cell death. The process may be preventable by completing apoptosis in cancer cells, offering a potential treatment avenue.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to prevent and treat atherosclerosis by transferring the apo A-I Milano gene or using antibody therapy to reduce plaque buildup. The studies show that these methods can significantly shrink existing plaques and even remove bad cholesterol.
A German study of 37 men and 18 women found that some riders experienced increased heart rates that could lead to arrhythmias, especially in those with high blood pressure or previous heart attacks. Researchers suggest operators have external defibrillators on hand for safety.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) recognizes innovative research in aging with the 2004 Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Award. The award honors a paper that offers a new model of personality and great potential to stimulate research in gerontology.