A single gene, ROP18, accounts for 90% of Toxoplasma gondii's virulence, making it a key target for identifying and treating the parasite's most dangerous strains. Researchers hope to develop new treatments using existing kinase inhibitors.
University of Washington researchers have successfully controlled a humanoid robot using signals from a human brain. The robot can move to specific locations and pick up objects based on the individual's brain waves, achieving 94% accuracy.
Researchers are developing an online outpatient rehabilitation service to monitor and counsel patients after heart surgery, aiming to reduce the risk of recurring heart problems. The service will provide convenient access to lifestyle changes and health guidance for patients nationwide.
Researchers developed genomic tests to predict breast cancer response to chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, with promising results in clinical trials. The tests showed high accuracy in predicting treatment response and patient outcomes, offering new hope for personalized treatment planning.
Researchers discovered a heat-loving archaeon capable of fixing nitrogen at 92 degrees Celsius, suggesting that life may have originated in extreme environments. This finding expands our understanding of the evolution of nitrogen fixation and its potential for life beyond Earth.
The study reveals that Salmonella enterica serovar typhi is the most common cause of bacteraemia in children and adults, with almost half of all cases found in children. Local knowledge is crucial for developing effective public health interventions, particularly in a resource-constrained healthcare system.
Researchers at Kent State University have discovered a method to manipulate colloids and liquid crystals, leading to the creation of ferroelectric nanoparticles that can significantly impact material properties. This breakthrough could result in more efficient liquid crystal displays and new applications for liquid crystals.
Researchers propose a new model explaining the giant plume on Enceladus by dissolving gases in clathrate ice under the water ice cap. This environment allows for a Frigid Faithful plume, which produces nitrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide gases.
A new study found that grandparents who attend church are more likely to produce church-going grandchildren, with those whose parents and grandparents attend being 36% more likely to attend themselves. This suggests a direct influence of grandparents on their grandchildren's religious practices.
Researchers found that mice with severely damaged brains showed substantial mending within weeks after losing specific genes. The repair was attributed to neural stem cell 'escapees' that retained or restored the gene activity, enabling regenerative potential.
Scientists have discovered material in comets that originated from the sun's inner solar system, defying a popular notion. The Stardust mission found particles with extreme properties, including one made of calcium-aluminum inclusion and another composed of magnesium olivine.
Researchers have created mouse embryonic stem cells that can be transplanted without rejection due to genetic matching with the recipient's immune system. The cells were generated from unfertilized eggs through a series of chemical treatments and identified using genetic typing.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis analyze comet samples and discover a unique result: the presence of 'real' stardust particles older than the sun. This finding provides key insights into the composition and origin of comets, shedding light on their role in the solar system's formation.
New research demonstrates that Aurora-A kinase suppresses neuroblast self-renewal and promotes differentiation in fruit fly stem cells. This finding may provide new clues to the molecular basis of Aurora-A involvement in human cancers, including brain tumors.
The complexity of tooth surfaces reveals a species' diet, with carnivores and rodents having similar complexity despite differing diets. The MorphoBrowser database provides publicly available information on phenotypes, enabling scientists to study extinct animals' diets.
Researchers found that men who are insecure about their bodies eat more when exposed to ideal-male images, while women who are insecure about their bodies eat less when exposed to ideal-female images. The study suggests that exposure to ideal-body media can lead to unhealthy eating habits and disordered eating behaviors.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a persistent and common condition characterized by unfocused worry and anxiety. Psychological therapies are preferable to drug treatments but often not readily available due to time constraints and limited resources.
The analysis of Stardust particles from comet Wild 2 has revealed clues about the birth of our solar system, challenging some basic theories. The particles contain osbornite, a mineral that forms at high temperatures, indicating a volatile and dynamic environment during the solar system's infancy.
A new system uses machine-learning methods to identify authors based on similar names, affiliations, and publication data, achieving 90.6% accuracy in a large-scale test. The algorithm will be integrated into the next generation of CiteSeer, the largest academic search engine.
Research led by the National Drug Evidence Centre found that problem drug use is declining in some areas previously considered 'hot spots' in the UK. The study suggests that younger people are being recruited into the problem drug use population at a faster rate, leading to a decline in incidence rates.
The global epidemic of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) may be larger than previously thought, with an estimated 424,000 cases worldwide in 2004. High levels of resistance were found in countries such as China, India, and Russia.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified two proteins, ROP16 and ROP18, that are critical to Toxoplasma's ability to infect and reproduce inside human cells. The study found that changes in these proteins can ramp up damage to the host by 10,000-fold.
Scientists at the University of Oregon developed a new insulation material with an ultra-low thermal conductivity, which could lead to improved energy efficiency in various applications. The material's unique structure allows it to be both dense and effective as a thermal insulator.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed techniques to pluck comet dust from the aerogel collectors used by NASA's Stardust spacecraft. The extracted samples reveal a diverse and unexpected composition of materials, including calcium/aluminum-rich inclusions similar to those found in meteorites.
Researchers have developed software that turns existing print brain atlases into multimedia resources, improving data organization and comparison. The NeuARt II system is a robust interface that works on all popular computer operating systems, without violating copyright.
The DZero experiment has observed the production of single top quarks in a rare process involving the weak nuclear force, marking an important test of particle theory. The results suggest that the magnitude of Vtb lies within the predicted range, consistent with the Standard Model, but further analysis is needed to confirm this finding.
A new process combines molecular self-assembly with traditional lithography to create multifunctional surfaces in precise patterns. This technique allows for complex patterns of functional monolayers, enabling applications beyond semiconductors.
A team of five land-grant universities, led by Texas Cooperative Extension, will work together to strengthen agricultural extension and training in Iraq. The $5.3 million project aims to improve the quality of life for Iraqi citizens by building their agricultural capacity.
The CAPTURE study found that carotid stenting can be performed safely and effectively by community physicians who receive proper education and training. The study involved 3,500 high-surgical risk patients and 353 physicians at 144 hospitals across the US, with similar outcomes among experienced and less-experienced physicians.
A study found that oxidative stress contributes to neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, decreased neuron death in these insects.
Adult stem cells in a specific region of the mouse brain have a built-in mechanism to participate in the repair and remodeling of damaged tissue. The study's findings suggest that these cells may also exist in humans, potentially leading to new treatments for disorders like stroke and traumatic injury.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center identified genes that make brain cancer-causing stem cells resistant to chemotherapy and other treatments. The study found that these cells can regenerate and become even more aggressive after treatment, highlighting a potential target for new therapies.
Researchers have identified a new key step in how the Polo kinase enzyme functions, confirming its potential as a target for anti-cancer drug development. The study sheds light on how the enzyme helps cells divide and multiply in an uncontrolled manner to form tumors.
A study published in Nature reveals the structural basis of botulinum toxins' interaction with nerve cells, allowing for improved understanding and potential new treatments for botulism, food poisoning, and nervous system diseases. The discovery could lead to the development of new drugs, vaccines, and antibody therapies.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that stool DNA testing can detect colorectal cancer with 88% accuracy, regardless of its stage or location. This non-invasive screening test offers a patient-friendly alternative to traditional colonoscopy.
Two research teams discovered detailed views of the toxin plugged into its neuronal receptor, providing new information on how it shuts down neurons. The findings could aid efforts to engineer specialized versions of the neurotoxin used to treat various medical conditions.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have found how fluid pressure can cause earthquakes by sealing fluids within fault planes for long periods. This pressure makes it easier for plates to move, resulting in an earthquake.
Male crickets sing less and for longer in autumn due to parasitic fly presence, while females are reluctant to approach singing males. This finding sheds light on the interplay between sexual selection and natural selection.
Researchers propose that dyslexia stems from faulty filters for irrelevant data, struggling to form solid mental categories for identifying letters and word sounds. Training in noisy conditions may help supplement existing interventions and improve reading abilities.
Research by Jon Nelson suggests that smaller snowflakes may be less unique than previously thought, with tiny temperature changes influencing their diversity. The study of snowflakes has also shed light on their role in global climate change and ozone depletion, revealing a complex chemistry behind these winter wonders.
Restricting travel can significantly reduce the spread of infections like SARS, with a 50% decrease in infected individuals and over 80% reduction in affected municipalities. A ban on trips longer than 20 km would have an even greater impact, reducing the spread even if compliance is as low as 70%
The study found that the number of firearm-related deaths dropped by at least 6% after the law took effect, with a decrease in average annual suicides from 491 to 246. The legislation also led to a significant decline in homicides and overall homicide rates fell by almost 2.5% per year.
A University of Michigan study found that the traditional flu shot was effective in preventing influenza in healthy adults, while the live attenuated-virus nasal spray vaccine was less effective. The study compared the two vaccines head-to-head with laboratory confirmation and found significant differences in their protective effects.
Researchers found that soft drink ads in schools were linked to lower participation in school lunch programs, suggesting these ads compete with school lunches for students' attention. Schools' wellness policies provide opportunities to examine advertising that might conflict with their goals for a healthy climate.
Dr Nigel W Brown's Aquacart system uses Nyex material to remove toxic organic contaminants from wastewater, promising a solution to global water pollution concerns. The technology has the potential to meet challenges of new legislation and be applied to various industrial processes.
Researchers have found evidence of ancient impact basins and topographic depressions in the Martian lowlands using MARSIS instrument, confirming the subsurface's complexity. The discovery sheds light on the geologic evolution of Mars, revealing a dichotomy between the northern and southern hemispheres.
Avastin, an anti-angiogenic therapeutic, improves lung cancer patient survival by 20% and reduces side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy. The drug targets tumor blood vessels, enabling chemotherapy drugs to diffuse into the tumor more effectively.
The project, led by the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Geological Survey, allows instruments to gather data on earthquakes' effects on bedrock and soil. The observatory will add new data to the existing network, helping geologists better define the earthquake hazard in the region.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a method to manufacture large arrays of single-crystal organic transistors, enabling the creation of flexible electronic devices with high performance. The breakthrough allows for the production of low-cost sensors on product packaging and thin, flexible displays.
Botulinum toxins bind to neurons, disrupting communication and leading to paralysis. The new study provides a structural glimpse of how these toxins recognize receptors on human neurons, offering a promising target for designing drugs to block their action.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have discovered that sulphuric acid and water mixture droplets can be cooled and heated without forming ice. This finding has implications for cloud physics, suggesting that cirrus clouds are not completely solid ice, but contain a layer of liquid water.
Researchers found that state Medicaid reimbursement rates and bed-hold policies significantly impact nursing home residents' likelihood of hospitalization. States with higher payment rates and more permissive bed-hold policies tend to have higher hospitalization rates, while those with lower rates and stricter policies have lower rates.
The partnership aims to reduce fossil fuel power plant water withdrawal and consumption, leading to more efficient use of water and energy. Advanced technologies will be developed to minimize environmental impacts and lower treatment costs.
A randomized controlled trial conducted in Kenya demonstrates that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of acquiring HIV, with a 53% reduction in new infections among circumcised men. The study, funded by CIHR, provides conclusive evidence supporting the use of circumcision as an important HIV prevention strategy.
Researchers demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of continuous-use oral contraceptives eliminating menstrual cycles in a study published in Contraception. Healthy women between 18-49 years old showed significant relief from menstrual cycle symptoms without breaks or placebos.
A nationwide study reveals that over 500 sudden unexplained cardiac deaths occur annually in England, mostly among young men. The researchers found that only a third of cases were correctly identified as Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), with most victims having no prior heart history or symptoms.
Research reveals that almost 16% of all drivers stopped and tested under suspicion of driving under the influence would test positive for drugs. Drivers who were under the legal limit for alcohol but still tested positive for drugs were more likely to be taking a cocktail of substances.
A comprehensive study led by University of Colorado at Boulder Professor Delbert Elliott found that children growing up in high-poverty neighborhoods were doing much better than expected. The study, which analyzed data from 662 families and 820 youths in Denver and Chicago, showed a success rate of 52% for children from disadvantaged n...
A Cornell study found that chelation therapy can reduce learning and behavioral problems caused by lead exposure in young rats. However, the treatment also showed lasting adverse effects in rats with no lead exposure, raising concerns about its use in autistic children.
A University of Minnesota study reveals that heavy smokers who reduce their cigarette use compensate by taking more frequent puffs or inhaling deeper, leading to higher toxin exposure. The study suggests that quitting smoking is the most effective way to lower risk for tobacco-caused premature death.