A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that eating two Right Direction Cookies daily lowered LDL cholesterol by ten percent and improved lipid subfraction profile. The cookies' combination of psyllium and plant sterols helps shift LDL particles toward a less atherogenic pattern, reducing cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a method to detect defects in composite materials using a network of carbon nanotubes. The discovery has significant implications for predicting the lifespan of composite materials and ensuring their safety in various applications, including commercial airliners.
Scientists reconstructed a 45,000- to 60,000-year-old record of ocean temperature and salinity using chemical traces in fossil shells. They found the Atlantic got saltier during cold periods and fresher during warm intervals.
A new study found that an investigational therapy reduced allergy symptoms in adults for at least a year after just six injections of the major ragweed allergen, Amb a 1, coupled to a unique DNA sequence. The therapy showed promise in reducing symptoms and improving quality-of-life scores compared to standard immunotherapy.
Researchers find that fish and amphibian B cells exhibit strong phagocytosis in both in vivo and vitro experiments. This discovery suggests an evolutionary relationship between macrophages and B cells, with implications for understanding human immune systems.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to sort single-walled carbon nanotubes by their diameter and electronic structure, overcoming the problem of structural heterogeneity that has limited their widespread use. This method, which exploits subtle differences in buoyant densities, promises to enable the produ...
The 3rd European Young Investigator Award (EURYI) ceremony honors 25 young researchers from across Europe for their groundbreaking research. The awardees will receive a diploma and €1.25 million in project funding to turn their scientific ideas into reality.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers reveals that hornworts are the key to understanding the evolution of land plants, with their life cycle patterns providing clues to how they transitioned from water to land. The findings shed light on the origin and diversification of land-based ecosystems.
The University of Texas at San Antonio Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security has been awarded a three-year, $3.1 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security to establish cyber-security training and development programs for states and communities. UTSA's CIAS addresses technical and policy issues in information ass...
Harvard University's Harvard Forest has received a $4.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study landscape change in New England. The six-year project will examine the drivers and consequences of forest responses to natural and human disturbances, with potential applications for regional land protection and management.
A new study reveals that most Alaskans, regardless of political affiliation, share a common concern about the impacts of global warming. Key findings include major impacts on sea ice, permafrost, coastal erosion, and forest fires, as well as significant threats to local communities, families, and the environment.
This study examines the feminist perspective on the body, using Merleau-Ponty's theory as a framework. The researchers explore gender differences and propose that language consists of imposed rules and standards.
The CANADA-HOPE Scholarship Program aims to improve the health of people in developing countries through research. The three recipients will study healthy aging, organ damage and stroke research in Canada before returning to their home institutions to establish productive research programs.
Astronomers discover sun was born in a massive star cluster, challenging current theories on planetary formation. The researchers used radioactive isotopes from meteorites to calculate the distance and time of a nearby supernova, suggesting that hundreds or thousands of solar siblings may exist.
A six-week experimental allergy treatment has relieved hay fever symptoms for at least two years in a clinical trial. The novel DNA-based drug AIC blocks the seasonal rise in ragweed-specific IgE and reduces IL-4, hinting at successful immune system reprogramming.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging emphasizes the beneficial aspects of nuclear medicine, a highly effective diagnostic and treatment method. Every major hospital has a nuclear medicine department, performing over 19 million procedures annually, increasing by 15% from four years ago.
Researchers found nematodes' life cycle affects pollution sensitivity, with sexually-reproducing strains more vulnerable. Temperature changes trigger genome shifts and alter gene regulation, impacting population growth.
NHGRI aims to lower genome sequencing costs to $100,000 and eventually $1,000 or less, enabling personalized medicine. New grants support innovative sequencing technologies with potential to revolutionize biomedical research and healthcare.
A recent study by Dr. Robert Koenekoop and colleagues has identified the CEP290 gene as the most common cause of Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a form of congenital blindness. The discovery could lead to improved screening and treatment options for affected children.
Researchers demonstrate that trichostatin A can counteract muscular dystrophy in mice by promoting muscle regeneration and upregulating follistatin, a key protein involved in muscle development. Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of the drug in larger animals before it can be tested in humans.
A study by UC Irvine sociologists finds that certain groups of U.S.-born children of immigrants, such as those of Mexican, Haitian, and West Indian descent, face lower levels of education, income, and higher incarceration rates. The study confirms the critical importance of education in overcoming these challenges.
The discovery is significant because it puts a face on an individual critical to the formation of St. Louis. The Ghost Horse Site, excavated by ITARP in 1998, yielded remains of an 18th-century structure believed to be Laclede's home.
Astronomers confirm two exoplanets using ESO's Very Large Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope data. The discoveries provide strong evidence for at least 6 billion Jupiter-sized planets in the Milky Way, including five new ultra-short-period planet types.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a novel peptide that effectively blocks influenza viruses, including deadly avian influenza, from entering host cells. The new finding offers a potential tool for preventing and treating influenza, which is losing its potency due to evolution.
Researchers developed a DNA-based vaccine to protect against ragweed allergies, showing a 60% reduction in symptoms. The vaccine works by suppressing acute reactions and helping the body regulate chronic inflammation.
The NIH will provide $54 million over five years to Columbia University Medical Center to establish an Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research. This investment will enable the expansion of core resources available to clinical researchers, including biomedical informatics support and biostatistical analysis.
A study by University College London researchers found that black tea consumption reduced cortisol levels and blood platelet activation after stressful events. The study, published in Psychopharmacology, suggests that drinking black tea may speed up recovery from daily stresses.
The booklet highlights the importance of ICT for voluntary and community organizations, emphasizing that online volunteering and communities are not substitutes for onsite activities. Local ICT initiatives can support social capital development in communities, but require ongoing technical and funding support to survive.
Research finds rapid changes in North Atlantic Ocean salinity linked to sudden shifts in Greenland temperatures and tropical rainfall patterns during the last ice age. This provides evidence that climate change can have a direct and rapid impact on ocean circulation and chemistry.
Armand Marie Leroi, a developmental geneticist, has been recognized by the EMBO Award for Communication in the Life Sciences. He is praised for his ability to bridge science and public discourse through his writing and broadcasting.
A new study suggests that earlier corn plantings in the US Corn Belt may lead to a decrease in crop yields in the future. Farmers have been planting seeds around two weeks earlier than they did 30 years ago, but this trend may not be sustainable due to seasonal limitations.
The Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) will apply current research on learning and cognitive psychology to improve teaching and assessment. The program aims to address the gap in supporting students with diverse learning styles and developing critical thinking, creative, social, and practical reasoning skills.
Historian Simon Burrows disputes popular narrative that Queen's love life sparked revolution, citing evidence of scandalous pamphlets appearing after its start. The queen was unfairly maligned with lavish spending and plotting against the revolution, while sex allegations were baseless.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health reveals high rates of physical and mental hardship among Tibetan refugees crossing the Himalayan range. Researchers found over half faced persecution at the hands of Chinese and Nepalese authorities, with reports of torture, extortion, and sexual assault.
A failed experiment by University of Wisconsin-Madison bacteriologist Marcin Filutowicz led to the creation of a new biocontrol agent that destroys bacterial pathogens without triggering antibiotic resistance. The discovery has started a promising biotechnology firm, creating high-paying jobs for Wisconsin.
Biophysicist Quhuan Li to visit Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation laboratory for three months, learn flow-enhanced cell adhesion techniques and set up systems at her home university. The Biophysical Society's award supports international collaboration and knowledge sharing in biophysics
A University of Illinois study found that parents' conversational styles contribute to their children's secure attachment, sense of self-worth, and eventual social competence. Elaborative conversations, characterized by rich detail and background information, foster memory development and promote a sense of shared history with the parent.
A Dutch researcher found that genetic characteristics, such as sweat production and brain receptor genes, can predict which drug works best for each patient. This information may lead to more effective treatment allocation for alcoholics.
A new technique called multi-isotope imaging mass spectrometry (MIMS) allows researchers to image and quantify molecules at a subcellular level. This enables the tracking of individual donor cells after transplantation and the measurement of cancer treatment drug efficacy within cells.
Two large clinical trials show ranibizumab's effectiveness in treating neovascular macular degeneration, but its high cost raises questions about the value of comparing it to bevacizumab, a cheaper alternative. Bevacizumab, originally designed for cancer treatment, also appears to be effective in treating this eye disease.
Researchers have identified a new marker, AZGP1, that can predict which men with prostate cancer are likely to develop aggressive metastatic disease. This marker can help tailor treatment for individual patients and improve outcomes.
The Arctic sea ice minimum reached on Sept. 14 was the fourth lowest on record, with a decline of about 8.6 percent per decade. The ice has been declining at an area more than half the size of Ohio per year, threatening species like polar bears that depend on the ice for their livelihood.
Researchers discovered that food anticipation activates key hunger centers in the brain, while satiety circuits respond to the first bites of food. The study sheds light on the intricate processes governing appetite regulation and suggests a potential link between hormones like leptin and brain activity.
A study published in Angiology found that Pycnogenol, an antioxidant extract from pine tree bark, significantly improved blood flow and reduced swelling in patients with diabetic microangiopathy. Blood flow improvements were 34% when lying down and 68% when standing up.
Two studies reveal that contaminated carrots are a source of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection, while exposure to antibiotic-treated poultry increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant gut bacteria. The findings highlight the need for improved food safety regulations and hygiene practices to prevent such outbreaks.
Researchers can now identify protein-DNA interactions in complex organisms using a freely available protocol developed by Dr. Marian Walhout and her colleagues. Additionally, the MuDPIT method enables the identification of rare proteins in complex mixtures.
Rockefeller University has been awarded a Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) of over $45 million to enhance its infrastructure for translating scientific discoveries into improved health. The award will support translational researchers and train physician-scientists in clinical research.
The study reveals that plant genomes evolved from a far more dynamic structure than previously believed, with genes being lost, replicated or shifted over time. This challenges the notion of biotechnologists performing 'unnatural acts' when inserting genes into crops.
A study found that maternal infection during pregnancy and very preterm birth are associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy. Brain MRI scans also revealed white-matter damage as the most common finding in children with cerebral palsy, with strong correlations between clinical findings and brain scan results.
Researchers at UCLA/VA have discovered that curcumin, a compound found in curry and turmeric, can enhance the immune system's ability to clear amyloid beta from the brain. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, treated macrophages showed improved uptake of amyloid beta in 50% of patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists in India have developed a new process to extract large quantities of cholesterol-lowering compounds from sea buckthorn, retaining over 40% of polyphenols and 70% of vitamin C. This technology could provide a new weapon to fight cardiovascular disease.
A study found associations between genetic polymorphisms and response to antidepressant treatment, suggesting personalized treatment options. Patients carrying specific gene variations had better response rates to norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
A new study estimates that up to 73 million sharks are killed annually for their valuable fins, exceeding UN reports by three times. The shark fin trade's high demand and lack of regulation threaten slow-to-produce shark populations.
Researchers have made significant advances in optics tests for early Alzheimer's detection, which may enable universal screening technologies. The tests can identify small molecular signs of the disease in the eye before brain pathology is present, raising hopes for early diagnosis and slowing disease progression.
A new study by Harvard University researchers found that car secondhand smoke levels can be hazardous to children, with pollution exceeding the EPA's unhealthy threshold. The study measured tobacco smoke in cars and found average levels of 272 micrograms when the driver's side window was opened slightly.
A study found that patients with NAFLD have a significant risk of developing end-stage liver disease, cardiovascular complications, and diabetes. Lifestyle modifications are recommended to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve liver histology.
The University of Pittsburgh is awarded a $83.5 million NIH grant to establish the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), aiming to transform clinical research and improve patient care. The CTSI will foster clinical and translational research, promote access to clinical trials, and develop novel methodologies.
Researchers at McMaster University found that seniors can re-learn multi-tasking with practice, achieving levels similar to younger participants. The study showed that training improved performance in both older and younger subjects, with benefits lasting up to three months later.
George Smoot's discovery of miniscule temperature variations in the infant universe revealed a pattern consistent with the Big Bang theory. This finding, supported by subsequent experiments, confirmed the cosmos' origins and provided evidence for gravity's role in shaping the universe's structure.
Researchers found that doxycycline effectively regresses lymphoma in both positive and negative patients for Chlamydia psittaci, offering a safe alternative to chemotherapy and radiation. The study showed a 66% rate of disease-free survival among patients treated with doxycycline.