A new study at Ohio University sheds light on the structural materials that form the horn's characteristic shape, explaining its curved tip. The team discovered dark patches made of calcium and melanin in the middle, which harden the core and protect it from sun damage.
The Protein Structure Initiative (PSI) has established a materials repository and knowledgebase to share resources with the scientific community. The PSI-Materials Repository will store and ship clones of proteins, while the Knowledgebase will provide access to structural information and experimental details.
Household transmission accounted for 20% of SARS cases in Toronto. Risk factors included prolonged illness duration, poor hand hygiene, and inadequate respiratory protection.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine successfully targeted and destroyed HIV-infected cells in mice using radioimmunotherapy. The treatment aims to eliminate the virus-infected cells that make infections chronic, potentially leading to a cure for HIV-infected patients.
A study found that 92% of ear infection cases were caused by bacteria, while 70% were caused by viruses. Viruses can impair antibiotic efficacy, leading to partial effectiveness in treating AOM.
Scientists at Harvard University have developed a computer model that can fully map and predict how small proteins fold into three-dimensional shapes. The model tracks protein folding for up to 10 microseconds, significantly longer than previous methods.
A study found that radiation after surgery and chemotherapy improves overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients with lymph node involvement. Patients who received radiation lived almost two years longer than those without radiation.
Connexions, a revolutionary open-source publishing platform, has received a third-phase $1.7 million grant to become more self-sustaining through new revenue streams, including book sales and licensing its platform to companies for corporate training.
A chemical-free device invented by University of Utah biologists eradicates head lice infestations on children by killing eggs and lice, a promising cure for the condition. The LouseBuster uses hot air to dry out lice and nits, making it an effective alternative to traditional chemical treatments.
Researchers found that higher doses of 74-82 Gray radiation significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer spreading to other parts of the body, even 8-10 years after treatment. Treatment centers using IMRT or 3D conformal radiation therapy with high doses can prevent cancer spread.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reports that hospital costs for influenza-related admissions in children are significantly higher than previously thought, with costs ranging from $7,000 to $40,000. The study supports the economic case for annual flu vaccinations, especially for high-risk conditions.
Researchers at Purdue University found that considering all interactions among temperature, radiation, precipitation, and land use can aid humans in preparing for extreme shifts in weather patterns. They discovered that a lack of precipitation will have the most dramatic effect on living conditions in the future.
Researchers analyzed ocean water samples from four regions, identifying over 91% new DNA sequences not present in existing databases. The study found that regional differences in geography and environment select for distinct viral communities.
Research finds childhood traumatic events and emotional instability are associated with CFS, which affects daily activities and interferes with rest. Higher overall trauma scores increase the risk of CFS by 3-8 times, with emotional neglect and sexual abuse during childhood linked to worse symptoms.
A group of advocacy organizations recommends educating health professionals about decision-making, evidence evaluation, and responsible promotion practices. They aim to reduce the influence of pharmaceutical marketing on healthcare outcomes.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have identified changes in brain chemistry associated with post-cancer radiation-induced dementia. They found that whole-brain radiation causes changes in glutamate receptors, which may lead to cognitive deficits.
Two studies on mice found that smoking delays cartilage formation and MCL repair, leading to impaired wound healing. The delay occurs early in the healing process, but may have long-term effects.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh have identified interleukin-23 (IL-23) as the key molecule causing destructive lung inflammation in cystic fibrosis patients. This discovery provides a specific target for developing new therapies to improve quality of life for these patients.
A study on pigeon homing found that birds flying in pairs take more efficient routes home than alone, suggesting navigational benefits. The researchers discovered that compromise and leadership emerge from simple forces acting on the pigeons' behavior, resolving conflicts between individual preferences.
A study found that women with disabilities are less likely to receive standard breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy after diagnosis. Despite this, they have a 29% higher risk of dying from breast cancer, indicating the need for more accessible and equitable treatment options.
Researchers developed a novel method to produce small chemicals from symbiotic bacteria found in sea squirts, which have anticancer properties. The ability to manipulate these chemicals using genetic pathways opens possibilities for developing new cancer and HIV treatments.
A study found that patients base their treatment choice on cultural and personal prejudices, with false beliefs about radiation's impact being a major concern. Patients were also anxious about the terminology used in radiation therapy, evoking feelings more related to war than a cure.
A study found that longer-term hormone therapy does not extend survival for high-risk prostate cancer patients. Instead, it may lead to a lesser degree of treatment side effects and improved quality of life.
Researchers identified a previously unknown cause of severe kidney disease in children: recessive mutations in the PLCE1 gene. Early diagnosis and treatment may reverse some cases of nephrotic syndrome in infants. The study provides promising results, suggesting that some infants with PLCE1 mutations can respond to steroid treatment.
Researchers used comparative genome sequencing technology to study E. coli's evolution over 44 days. Mutations appeared in key genes, enabling faster growth and adapting to environmental conditions.
A retrospective study found that three-dimensional treatment planning reduced feeding tube dependency in 62% of patients. Higher T stages and two-dimensional treatment planning were independent predictors of feeding tube dependency.
New research reveals men treated with IMRT experience fewer long-term gastrointestinal side effects, despite higher radiation doses. The study found no significant difference in genitourinary side effects between the two treatments.
Researchers develop an alternative to animal testing by tricking ticks into setting up home on faux-cow hides. This method measures leg tremblings of ticks to observe early signs of pesticide toxicity.
A study has identified three proteins that can predict chronic lung rejection in transplant patients, offering new hope for early intervention and prevention. The proteins, which form a 'biosignature' of organ rejection, were found using advanced high-tech tools and analysis techniques.
A team of Rensselaer researchers has developed a computer simulation to predict how an organization's culture affects its ability to respond to an extreme event. The model takes into account the organizational characteristics of FEMA and the Coast Guard, which showed significant differences in their responses to Hurricane Katrina.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) enhances the growth of corticospinal motor neuron axons, a critical population affected by ALS. IGF-1 stimulation increases axon outgrowth speed and extent, paving the way for potential treatments.
Researchers found increased elastin synthesis in moderately diseased lung tissue of COPD patients, suggesting the lungs may be attempting to repair themselves.
Researchers are evaluating the use of Aricept to prevent cognitive decline and memory problems in pediatric brain cancer survivors who have received cranial radiation. The study, which will enroll 35 patients ages 8-17, aims to assess whether the drug can help maintain baseline cognitive abilities and social relationships.
The current issue of CSH Protocols introduces multimedia content, including movie clips, to demonstrate techniques and show experimental results. Researchers can track cell movements, visualize physiological changes, and assess behavior using advanced imaging technologies.
Researchers found that chronic alcohol abuse disrupts the protective barrier in the lungs, making it harder for the body to handle fluid accumulation. This can lead to serious illnesses like pneumonia and ARDS.
The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center's Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant has been renewed for an additional five years. The grant will fund translational research projects aimed at identifying biomarkers to predict response to therapy and developing non-invasive imaging options for diagnosis and treatment.
A new comprehensive study by Saint Louis University researchers has identified the top 10 features of activity-friendly communities, which can help improve public health. The study's findings emphasize the importance of designing communities that encourage physical activity, such as mixed-use development, sidewalks, and bike lanes.
Researchers found that specific HLA Class I/HIV viral fragment combinations are associated with a more powerful antiviral response. The study suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in determining how well an individual's immune system controls HIV during early infection.
Researchers have identified unique expression domains for two proteins, SPLUNC1 and SPLUNC2, in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. The discovery could help understand the immune system's role in the disease and potentially prevent lung damage.
A space sunshade, proposed by University of Arizona astronomer Roger Angel, could balance the heating effect of a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The constellation of small spacecraft would form a long, cylindrical cloud with about 10 percent of sunlight diverted away from Earth.
Scientists have derived the precise structure of a catalyst composed of four manganese atoms and one calcium atom that drives water-splitting reactions. The high-resolution structure holds promise for developing clean energy technologies that rely on sunlight to split water, enabling the production of hydrogen fuel.
Researchers found that mice with a genetic predisposition to severe flu symptoms mount an enhanced immune response in the lungs compared to those with milder disease. The study aims to identify genes controlling inflammation variation during influenza infection and may help determine who would benefit most from limited vaccine supply.
A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that signal protein Srcasm can block tumor-promoting molecules in skin cells, potentially leading to targeted gene therapy for certain cancers. By increasing Srcasm levels, researchers may be able to reverse uncontrolled cell growth caused by activated Src kinases.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Metals Research develop adhesive material mimicking beetle feet's microhairs for improved adhesion. The material exhibits excellent performance, lasting hundreds of applications and showing benefits such as no visible marks or need for cleaning.
Researchers aim to create a topical cream that increases skin pigmentation and repairs DNA damage caused by UV radiation, reducing skin cancer risk. The project builds on previous findings that alpha-MSH can reverse the effects of UV radiation on skin cells.
Researchers use computer simulations to study the effect of adhesive patch size and density on cell adhesion. They found that protrusion height is the most critical factor, with small increases leading to faster adhesion rates.
Research shows that mental health problems lead to greater levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among workers in the service sector. The study found that investing in mental health treatment and prevention can result in significant cost savings for governments.
Researchers used atomic force microscopy to study DNA's flexibility, finding it can bend into tight structures without large forces. The findings shed light on molecular properties viewed at different magnifications and have implications for cell biology and gene regulation.
A consensus statement published in Annals of Surgical Oncology calls for heated chemotherapy after colon cancer surgery to optimize patient survival. The treatment, known as HIPEC, has shown promising results with a median survival of greater than 20 months compared to six-month survival with traditional intravenous chemotherapy.
Researchers explored a new approach to maintenance therapy in patients with multiple myeloma, using pamidronate alone or in combination with thalidomide. The study found that ongoing treatment significantly improved cancer-free survival and overall survival probability compared to standard care.
Researchers discovered that stem cells communicate with niche cells through the Notch pathway, leading to increased niche cell production and larger stem cell populations. This two-way dialogue enables stem cells to maintain an active niche, which is essential for their self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cells.
Researchers have found that three popular laboratory breast cancer cell lines share a similar genetic profile with human breast tumors. This discovery provides evidence for the accuracy of laboratory cell line models and their potential to inform treatment outcomes.
A Dartmouth study found that iron is stored in the developing vascular system of plant seeds, particularly in the vacuole, a central storage site. The researchers' discovery suggests that targeting iron storage in the vacuole could increase the iron content of seeds, benefiting both human health and agricultural productivity.
A study reveals human-specific sequence changes in DNA sequences regulating nerve cell adhesion molecules, leading to the uniquely human features of brain development and function. The researchers identified accelerated evolution of conserved noncoding sequences near genes involved in neuronal cell adhesion.
Researchers found that zebrafish have progenitor cells and an epicardium that can restore wounded heart muscle. The study's findings suggest that these mechanisms could be utilized for therapies, potentially improving the regenerative capacity of mammalian hearts.
A study finds that the loss of ocean species accelerates the collapse of entire ecosystems, reducing productivity and stability. The research projects the collapse of all currently fished seafoods by 2050, highlighting the need for sustainable management and biodiversity conservation.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that aging blood vessels lose elasticity due to a breakdown in cellular signaling. A complex enzymatic process explains how this occurs, involving phosphorylation and ceramide synthesis. Diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help slow down this natural process.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that children with recurrent strep throat who retain their tonsils are at triple the risk of developing subsequent episodes. Tonsillectomy is found to be an effective treatment for this condition, decreasing infections and improving quality of life.
A USC study has identified a crucial protein involved in the formation of myelin, which could lead to new treatments for conditions such as multiple sclerosis. The research discovered that a protein called Par-3 plays a central role in regulating myelination by interacting with other molecules.
Scientists use NASA satellite data and computer modeling to track Yellowstone bison migration patterns and predict when they will leave public land for private property, reducing conflicts with ranchers. The project provides daily maps of snowpack depth and density to inform park officials' decisions.