Researchers found that specific versions of the TGFb1 gene are linked to worse lung disease in cystic fibrosis patients. The study's large size and robust design enabled scientists to identify a potential target for improving CF therapy.
A new study has tracked the evolution of the H3N2 influenza virus in New York over five flu seasons, revealing at least three distinct subpopulations of the virus. The research demonstrates the potential for genomics to inform vaccine development and improve public health by understanding the dynamics of flu virus evolution.
Endosomes travel to the nucleus using back-and-forth movement, accumulating at an aster-like layout of microtubules. This symmetrical approach allows for efficient distribution of nutrients and molecular information.
The university will use the grant to enhance its Clinical Scholars Program, which supports young investigators in a three-year educational and training program. The initiative aims to create an environment for career development of young faculty in clinical research.
The NIH has secured contracts with Deltagen Inc. and Lexicon Genetics Incorporated to provide researchers with extensively characterized lines of knockout mice, featuring disrupted genes. This comprehensive resource will greatly accelerate efforts to explore gene functions in health and disease.
Researchers found that ICDs provide value in appropriate patients, but more research is needed to identify high-risk patients who would benefit most from the therapy. The study suggests that ICD use could be more cost-effective with lower implantation costs or extended device lifespan.
Researchers reconstructed the 1918 flu virus using reverse genetics, a technique developed by Mount Sinai School of Medicine researchers. The study reveals that the virus is extremely virulent in mice and grows rapidly in human lung cells.
Astronomers have discovered the first optical afterglow of a short gamma-ray burst, providing evidence for their cosmic explosion hypothesis. The findings suggest that these bursts originate from the merging of compact stars in elliptical galaxies.
Researchers found that human subjects learned different levels of a video game in just 20 minutes, adapting to varying environmental difficulties. The study showed that people can rapidly reshape their learning process to best learn new movements.
Researchers found that fish in ponds increase pollination of St. John's wort due to the decline of dragonfly populations, which then shift their prey to bees and flowers, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. This study highlights the impact of species interactions on ecosystem dynamics.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute have found that the surface of lime platelets in mother-of-pearl is disordered and wavy, ruling out ordered layers on the organic matrix. This discovery challenges previous understanding of nacre's composition and mechanism, offering new insights into building materials.
The HETE-2 satellite has solved the mystery of short gamma-ray bursts, revealing colliding compact stars as their likely cause. The discovery provides significant findings, including first observations of optical afterglows and secure measurements of distance to a short burst.
The study used repetitive triplet sequences of tones with alternating frequencies to explore how the brain perceives auditory streams. The researchers found that at intermediate frequency separations and speeds, listeners' perceptions shifted from a single stream to two separate streams.
The Center for Engineering Sustainability aims to promote sustainable engineering practices among US engineering programs, providing peer-reviewed materials and workshops. With $1.7M NSF & $350K EPA support, the initiative seeks to encourage engineers to incorporate environmental constraints into projects.
A new book argues that the WTO should prioritize sustainable development and fair trade to contribute to poverty alleviation. Professor Gary Sampson presents policy options that are both ambitious and realistic for governments to adopt.
The new guidelines aim to improve psychiatric evaluation, screening, and treatment for juvenile offenders. They recommend educating clinicians on unique system issues and refer juveniles with mental health or substance abuse disorders for systematic evaluation and treatment.
An international study found that 21% of coronary patients continued to smoke, with younger patients and those with angina less likely to quit. The survey highlights the need for more effective smoking cessation programs, particularly among younger patients and those with lower education levels.
Children with advanced cancer can make informed decisions about their treatment, prioritizing the needs of others. The study found that 95% of participants cited caring for others as a factor in their decision-making, highlighting the importance of relationship-based end-of-life care.
A team of researchers used proteomics to identify multiple blood proteins that adsorb to the surfaces of medical devices, including serum amyloid P. This discovery sheds new light on the biocompatibility of materials and their potential impact on patient health.
Two patients with a rare illness lost ability to perceive their own body, yet could correctly guess weight of boxes lifted by others. They relied on internal simulation to interpret body movements, suggesting our brains simulate others' actions to understand their intentions.
A study found that fish indirectly aid plant reproduction by reducing adult dragonflies, which in turn increase bee and butterfly populations, leading to more plant pollination. The research highlights the unexpected connections among species and how human activities can shape nature.
A team of researchers has identified key genes responsible for the Spanish flu's extreme virulence, which could lead to the development of effective antivirals and vaccines. The study also suggests that certain FDA-approved flu medications may be effective against future strains of the virus.
The study found that muskoxes were genetically more diverse before the Pleistocene/Holocene transition, with extinct haplotypes only found in northern Asia. The authors suggest that reduced genetic variability may have contributed to the extinction of other great mammals like mammoths.
Researchers sequenced over 200 human flu strains, revealing a surprisingly large degree of genetic diversity and dynamic evolution. The study provides insights into why the 2003-04 flu vaccine provided partial protection against that season's flu.
Researchers studied gold nanoparticles supported by carbon atoms and found that a large carbon shell can physically squeeze together particles, triggering a merging process. This discovery suggests encapsulating individual metal nanoparticles within carbon shells could prevent uncontrolled size changes in nanoparticle arrays.
Researchers at Ohio State University have detected the largest-ever recorded movement of Earth's crust under the weight of flooded Amazon, suggesting a way to estimate total fresh water on the planet. The study reveals an annual oscillation pattern three inches deep in the bedrock beneath the Amazon River Basin.
The joint NSF-NIH program aims to create a predictive understanding of the ecological mechanisms governing relationships between human-induced environmental changes and infectious diseases. Researchers will study how large-scale events alter disease emergence, allowing for better control of disease spread among humans, animals, and crops.
A Canadian study explores how men cope with breast cancer diagnoses, revealing a wide range of reactions from shock to advocacy. Researchers aim to raise awareness and encourage male participation in clinical trials.
Despite declining overall mortality, US cancer incidence rose slightly among women in 2002 compared to the previous decade. The study also found that some cancers, like leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, experienced increased incidence.
The annual report shows cancer death rates decreasing for 12 of the top 15 cancers in men and nine in women, with lung cancer remaining a leading cause. Overall incidence rates have been stable since 1992, but breast cancer incidence has increased due to rising rates for six other cancers.
The Epilepsy Foundation calls on women of childbearing age to assess their medication treatment for risk of birth defects caused by anticonvulsants. The organization provides guidance and resources to empower women to make informed decisions about their health.
A meta-analysis of 13 randomized clinical trials found that pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) use did not improve clinical outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure or those awaiting major surgery. The study suggests that PACs should only be used in specific situations where they can provide valuable guidance for treatment.
Research shows that women with diabetes are at risk of having babies with heart and spinal cord birth defects due to high blood glucose levels. Maintaining good glycemic control throughout pregnancy is crucial, especially during the first eight weeks when organs form.
Researchers found no link between breast-feeding and adult cancer risk, but high red meat consumption is associated with increased pancreatic cancer risk. A new vaccine approach may enhance tumor-specific immune response when combined with chemotherapy.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that unwed mothers have a 30% lower chance of marrying than childless single women. When they do marry, they are more likely to have older and less educated husbands.
Hydrologists use a simple apparatus of ¼-inch-diameter plastic tubing to collect groundwater samples along the Columbia River's edge. The aquifer tube method provides an accurate picture of vertical distribution of contaminants in groundwater, allowing for effective monitoring at difficult-to-access sites.
The incidence of preterm birth and low birthweight infants are pressing obstetrical issues, according to Michael Paidas. He emphasized the need for risk assessment with fetal fibronectin and cervical length to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A new study compares the environmental and health risks of nanomaterials production to those of conventional industries. The research suggests that the risks associated with making nanotubes are comparable or lower than those of wine production.
Carnegie Mellon's Materials Research Science and Engineering Center will focus on creating super-efficient materials, including those with greatly increased strength or resistance to corrosion. The center aims to enable manufacturers to produce smaller, faster computer chips and safer power plants.
The study provides evidence-based medical practices for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, enabling physicians to determine the type of arthritis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. The guidelines highlight the need for individualized patient care due to the complexity of the disease.
Researchers used passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags to assess fluid motion in simulated radioactive waste without sampling. The technique improved mixing technology for the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant's large-scale operation.
Researchers found the surface structure to be arranged differently than previously thought, with groups of four atoms in one direction but three in the other. This discovery could help scientists understand how to use cubic gallium nitride as a new semiconductor material.
Researchers discovered that TGFBR1*6A, a gene variant, significantly increases the risk of developing metastases in colorectal and head & neck cancers. In the presence of TGF-beta, cancer cells with this gene variant exhibit a selective growth advantage.
A study of 4,484 patients with first primary melanomas found that 8.6% had multiple primary melanomas, with a higher risk for those with family history or dysplastic nevi. The estimated cumulative 5-year risk of a second primary tumor was 11.4%, with a significant increase in incidence for the development of third primary melanoma.
A study published in Tissue and Cell reveals that defects in the adult stem cell niche can lead to breast cancer development. Researchers found that each cell population plays a different role in breast cancer and that environmental factors influence the risk of becoming cancerous.
A model predicts that young women treated for Hodgkin lymphoma are at increased risk of developing breast cancer, with risks rising with age and radiation exposure. Current treatment guidelines may be reconsidered to minimize these risks.
The SNM/GE Healthcare Visiting Physician/Scientist Program Grant will provide educational enrichment in China and India through one- to two-week visits. Clinical centers, hospitals, academic institutions can apply for funding to support nuclear medicine/molecular imaging training and consulting.
Penn physicists develop artificial solids from nanoscale crystals, enabling controlled changes in electrical properties. Their findings promise the creation of functional nanocrystal-based devices and circuits with potential applications in electronics.
Jan Hall, a scientist emeritus at NIST and JILA fellow, was awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics alongside Theodor W. Hänsch for their contributions to laser-based precision spectroscopy. Their work enabled precise control of light frequencies, leading to breakthroughs in science, technology, and navigation.
Researchers found that kidney paired donation (KPD) transplants can be performed with outcomes similar to compatible living donor kidney transplants, offering a cost savings and decrease in waiting time. A national KPD transplant scheme could enable many more transplants for patients with incompatible donors.
Researchers at Yale University found innovative approaches to ensuring rapid treatment of patients, including management techniques and flow charts. The study identified key success factors for improving quality care in hospitals, with a focus on proper organization, planning, and communication.
A new strategy to use nursing resource teams offers a competitive advantage by recruiting, retaining, and maximizing the use of nurses. This approach recognizes nursing expertise and provides opportunities for professional development, ultimately improving patient care.
Researchers have discovered that two low-cost diuretics, amiloride and spironolactone, can significantly lower blood pressure in African-American patients. The study's findings suggest that these alternative drugs may be a more effective treatment option for patients who have not responded well to standard therapy.
A randomized controlled trial found that therapy guided by pulmonary artery catheter monitoring did not improve survival or reduce hospital stays for patients with severe heart failure. However, the study suggests that PAC monitoring may be beneficial for patients who do not respond to initial therapy.
A Hopkins study successfully performed 21 out of 22 KPD transplants, showing the technique can offer transplants to many more patients who cannot receive a kidney from a loved one. The results could pave the way for a national matching registry and help hundreds of patients find compatible matches.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that expanded physician and residency training in telephone medicine is necessary to prevent medical mishaps. The lack of visual cues indicating emotions may lead physicians to assume patients take news better than they actually do.
A study found that students with higher emotional intelligence had more self-efficacy, which enhanced their academic performance. Researchers suggest that emotional intelligence training could be added to computing curricula to improve student outcomes.
Researchers found that high-fat diets depleted NKT cells, a type of immune cell that regulates cytokine production. This depletion led to increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, promoting chronic liver disease.
A study of 14,355 children aged 9-14 found that eating fried foods away from home led to higher body mass index and dietary patterns associated with excessive weight gain and chronic diseases. The researchers recommend limiting fried food consumption and promoting family dinners for healthier eating habits.
Penn State researchers have designed and fabricated tiny piezoelectric microactuators with controlled force, high resolution, and large displacements. The new actuators have dimensions ranging from 350 to 600 microns in length, 50 to 100 microns in width, and 5 to 6 microns in thickness.