Researchers at University of Illinois and University of Arizona use computer simulations and experiments to understand the molecular mechanism behind gating in aquaporins. They discover that a single protein can be used as both a water channel and an ion channel depending on the signaling pathway activated.
A landmark publication from 100 authors offers comprehensive guidance on HPV vaccine administration and cervical cancer screening. The monograph addresses the challenges of expanding HPV-based screening to new populations and recommends universal vaccination strategies for both genders.
Researchers used NMR to detect higher energy structural sub-states of E. coli dihydrofolate reductase, finding that dynamic fluctuations channel the enzyme through its reaction cycle by minimizing energetic barriers. This challenges the traditional 'induced fit' hypothesis and highlights the importance of protein motion in catalysis.
A study published in Neuron found that the brain has a specific 'executive processing' area that inhibits emotional activity, enabling people to cope with distractions. Researchers also discovered that individuals with PTSD and depression have impaired amygdalar inhibition, leading to emotional intrusion.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered an emotional control circuit that regulates fear responses in the brain. The study found that the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the frontal lobe, activates to resolve emotional conflicts and dampens activity in the amygdala, allowing for emotional cont...
A new study reveals the existence of more than one type of Type Ia supernova, with SNLS-03D3bb being over twice as bright and half as massive as typical examples. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding these cosmic events.
The University of Rochester Medical Center is establishing a leading program in Cancer Stem Cell Research to discover cures for cancer. By studying the 'master cells' of this deadly disease, scientists aim to find underlying causes and develop therapies to target cancer stem cells.
Researchers at Montana State University's Center for Biofilm Engineering have received a $2.9 million grant to study the role of biofilms in chronic wounds. Biofilms, which are bacteria that form protective slime, can interfere with the healing process and contribute to amputations in diabetics.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that fruit flies' visual systems are genetically programmed and don't require neuronal activity for formation. This finding challenges the idea that brain wiring needs activity from neurons to function correctly.
A University of Alberta study found that walking alone is unlikely to produce marked health benefits compared to more intense exercise programs. Regular moderate activity and occasional vigorous periods are crucial for optimal health outcomes.
A study found that lobbing raw eggs at people as a prank can result in blunt ocular trauma, leading to injuries such as tears, bruising, and raised internal pressure. In some cases, this can cause permanent loss of eyesight.
In a head-to-head trial comparing vardenafil and sildenafil, men with ED favored vardenafil for its superiority in erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. The study found that 38.9% preferred vardenafil over sildenafil.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the connection between calcineurin and diabetes. By inhibiting calcineurin, they were able to prevent beta cells from increasing their numbers and producing insulin, offering new hope for treating type-2 diabetes. The findings al...
Dr. Kevin J. Tracey's theory of the inflammatory reflex reveals a direct link between brain and immune system via the vagus nerve, providing a new approach to treating chronic inflammatory diseases. By manipulating brain activity, individuals may be able to 'think' their way to feeling better.
A study analyzing 13 biomarkers found that combinations of neuroendocrine and immune markers were associated with high-risk pathways in men, while systolic blood pressure was linked to female high-risk pathways. Recursive partitioning identified the importance of biological regulatory systems in predicting mortality in later life.
A Hopkins study reveals that T lymphocytes, part of the immune system, play a dual role in organ damage after transplantation. While they produce toxic chemicals that contribute to IRI, they also appear to protect transplanted kidneys from damage. The findings could lead to new strategies for preventing or rapidly treating IRI.
Researchers found that increasing leptin production in the hypothalamus helps regulate insulin secretion, keeping blood glucose levels normal. Gene therapy successfully reversed type 2 diabetes in diabetic mice, even after a high-fat diet.
The Bird's Head Seascape in Indonesia's Papua province is the Earth's most diverse marine ecosystem, with over 1,200 fish species and 600 coral species. Threats from fishing, deforestation, and mining require immediate protection to preserve this unique biodiversity.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a process for producing bioplastics from natural oils, which will be used to create high-tech hog feeders. The new feeders are expected to reduce material costs and provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical-based feeders.
Research finds that Latino immigrant families in North Carolina face extreme hunger rates, with some areas experiencing hunger more severe than Appalachia. The study found that 35.6% to 41.8% of respondents experienced food insecurity, compared to the national average.
Researchers from the University of Arizona found that the same mathematical equation describing stalactite shapes also applies to icicles, regardless of size or growth conditions. The discovery provides new insights into the physics of natural formations and their underlying math.
A review of published research suggests that cigarette smoking increases the risk of contracting HIV and progressing to AIDS. The study found that five out of six studies concluded smokers were more likely to become HIV positive, with varying risks ranging from 60% to tripling.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute developed a way to protect fair-skinned individuals from skin cancer using medicinally-induced tans. The study, published in Nature, involved applying a cream that mimicked the process of ultraviolet rays triggering pigmentation, suggesting a novel approach to preventing melanoma.
Children with very low birth weights tend to score lower on quality of life scales, particularly in cognitive functions and social function. Long stays in neonatal intensive care units are also associated with reduced social function.
Researchers found that caterpillars evolved different physiological mechanisms to adjust to carbohydrate-rich and low-carbohydrate diets. This study suggests that animals can adapt metabolically to extreme nutritional environments, which may have implications for understanding the human obesity epidemic.
A recent study found that women who take multivitamins early in pregnancy may reduce their child's risk of developing certain types of brain tumors. The protective effect was strongest when multivitamins were taken close to conception, with a weakly significant reduction in the risk of medulloblastoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumors.
Healthcare providers must weigh benefits and risks of NSAID use, which are associated with gastrointestinal complications. The AGA Institute recommends lower-risk agents and gastroprotection methods for patients at high risk of GI complications.
New research suggests that skeletal microdamage resulting from bisphosphonate treatment may be maximal during the first year of treatment and not continue to accumulate with longer periods of treatment. The study found no increase in vertebral microcracks after 3 years of alendronate treatment compared to those treated for 1 year.
Researchers from MBL found anatomical evidence of a 'hidden communication channel' in squid skin, which remains masked during camouflage. The study suggests that squid may use polarized signals to convey information about their surroundings, including the presence of predators or other squid.
Researchers identified genes affecting fruit fly aggression, finding a 10% genetic contribution to behavior. The study's findings have implications for understanding abnormal aggression in humans and developing pharmaceutical interventions.
A new University of Colorado study indicates that Greenland is shedding ice at about two and one-half times the rate of the previous period. The ice mass loss has been occurring primarily in southern Greenland, consistent with studies charting a dramatic acceleration of glaciers in southeast Greenland.
The University of Virginia School of Medicine has received a $35.7 million grant renewal from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to continue its Cell Migration Consortium research. The consortium, comprising nearly 40 researchers globally, aims to understand cell migration and its role in diseases like cancer.
A nearly intact 3.3 million year-old juvenile Australopithecus afarensis skeleton has been discovered, providing insights into the growth and development cycle of the species. The skeleton's unique blend of ape-like features and adaptations for bipedal locomotion will help researchers better understand human evolution.
A unique evolutionary link has been found between the immune systems of fish and mammals, with primitive B cells in fish playing a key role in phagocytosis. This discovery could lead to new strategies for developing effective fish vaccines and offers insights into the evolution and function of immune cells.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that high hourly air pollution levels significantly increase the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. The study analyzed data from 13 major urban areas in Japan and found a doubling of stroke risk when particulate matter levels exceeded 200 ug/m3 two hours before death.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that pregnancy and lactation produce long-term changes in a mother's brain hormone receptors, which may improve maternal behavior and reduce anxiety levels. This discovery suggests that prior reproductive experience can shape the mother's physiology and behavior.
The invasive Didemnum species continues to thrive on Georges Bank, with colonies found in two areas where they were also detected in previous years. Scientists are concerned about the impact on local fisheries and shellfish aquaculture industries.
Actor Harrison Ford was recognized for his lifelong passion toward environmental issues, emphasizing the need for individual responsibility in conserving nature. He has been an integral part of Conservation International's mission to conserve biodiversity worldwide.
Researchers found that an enzyme called Cathepsin B breaks down the amyloid plaque protein in Alzheimer's disease, offering a potential new treatment approach. Increasing CatB activity reduced plaque deposits in mice with human APP, suggesting it could be a protective mechanism against AD.
A new generation of cartographers is emerging, thanks to innovative software programs that simplify map-making tasks. Dr. Mark Harrower's tools, such as Color Brewer and Map Shaper, empower users to create accurate and visually appealing maps, bridging the gap between scientific validity and artistic expression.
Research at the University of Alberta finds that perfectionist tendencies in young hockey players lead to increased anger and frustration. Players are more likely to experience emotional turmoil when faced with high-pressure games, with many struggling to control their emotions on the ice.
A major study from Karolinska Institutet found that eating fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel at least once a week reduces kidney cancer risk by up to 74% over a decade. The study also highlights the protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D in fatty fish.
Dr. Edith Widder, a marine biologist and explorer, has received a MacArthur Fellowship for her work on deep-sea exploration and conservation. Her research focuses on using innovative technologies to study and protect marine ecosystems, with significant breakthroughs in bioluminescence and ocean observation.
Dr. Kodadek's research aims to develop substances that can diagnose and block specific immune responses without suppressing the entire immune system, potentially treating autoimmune diseases and cancer. He will receive $500,000 per year for five years to pursue this innovative approach.
The Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center (MARC) will investigate the genetic basis of addiction and develop targeted therapies. The center aims to create educational programs for school-age children and provide clinical treatments for rural patients affected by meth use.
Researchers at UCI found that fat droplets serve as storage depots for excess proteins, regulating their presence in the cell. The study suggests that these droplets could help fight diseases caused by excessive protein production, such as prion diseases.
The International Council of Science (ICSU) has launched a new Regional Office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to promote science development in Asia and the Pacific. The office aims to strengthen the voice of developing countries in international settings and support collaboration for socioeconomic development.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $117 million to establish and continue 11 multidisciplinary centers focused on biomedical research excellence, enhancing the competitiveness of investigators in historically underfunded states.
Scientists are researching ways to reduce radiation-induced brain damage for Mars missions, which could lead to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The research project is part of a $14-million study funded by NASA to determine the human brain's maximum safe cosmic radiation dose.
Scientists at University of Illinois designed and built ceramic microreactors to reform hydrocarbons into hydrogen for fuel cells. The new reactors achieved high-temperature operation, surpassing other fuel reformer systems in performance.
Brown University will receive a major grant to boost the representation of women in academic science and engineering careers. The ADVANCE program aims to increase retention and career advancement, providing resources such as administrative shadowing and mentoring programs.
Researchers are working to project the impacts of climate change on municipal water supplies by refining global climate models and customizing them for specific basins. This allows local governments and water planners to prepare for changes in tap water availability.
Researchers predict that climate change will reduce cyclamen's ideal climate range by over 60% within the next 50 years, putting many species at high risk of extinction. Mathematical modeling indicates that the plant may disappear from certain regions by the 2050s.
A new study by Dennis Chong and Dukhong Kim explores how economic status affects racial and ethnic minority groups in the US. The research reveals that improved socioeconomic status generally diminishes group consciousness among most minorities, but African Americans retain their racial identity due to ongoing discrimination.
A large cohort study found that women who consumed one or more servings of fatty fish per week had a 44% decreased risk of renal cell carcinoma compared to those who did not consume any fish. Fatty fish consumption was also associated with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which may contribute to the reduced risk.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston discovered that curcumin blocks the activity of gastrointestinal hormone neurotensin, implicated in colorectal cancer development. Curcumin reduces IL-8 production, accelerating tumor growth and metastasis.
A recent NASA study found that clearing for mechanized cropland has become a significant force in Brazilian Amazon deforestation. The study suggests that the conversion of forests to croplands can have a more pronounced ecological and climate impact than other land conversions.
As technology improves life expectancy and oxygen therapy becomes more accessible at home, critical care physicians face a new challenge: honoring patient requests to discontinue supplemental oxygen. The commentary offers a four-step approach to help physicians overcome concerns and ensure patients' wishes are respected.
Research from Florida State University shows immigrant children are no more likely to repeat a grade than their American-born counterparts. In fact, first- and second-generation boys are 54% less likely to be held back than their male peers.
Three Stanford University School of Medicine researchers, Kwabena Boahen, Karla Kirkegaard, and David Relman, have won the NIH Director's Pioneer Award. They will receive $2.5 million over five years to pursue new research directions that are not already funded.