The IAU defined a planet as a celestial body in orbit around the Sun with sufficient mass to assume hydrostatic equilibrium. The new definition includes our solar system's eight recognized planets and a distinct class of dwarf planets, including Pluto.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that cyclin D1 inhibits the size and activity of mitochondria in cancer cells, shifting their metabolism from energy production to proliferation. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting cancer cell metabolism.
Researchers have identified three genetic variants associated with an increased risk of cot death, also known as SIDS. The study found that babies born with these specific variants are up to 14 times more likely to die from the condition.
A study published in The Lancet found that children with persistent wheezing and allergies are at higher risk of developing lung function loss and asthma. Exposure to high levels of allergens also contributes to the development of asthma.
A lack of cardiac calsequestrin protein can cause irregular heartbeats during exercise, but not at rest. Researchers found that the protein's absence triggers premature calcium release, leading to life-threatening conditions like CPVT.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a topical treatment against human papilloma virus (HPV) that could potentially prevent cervical cancer. The treatment uses a protease inhibitor already licensed for oral administration, which can selectively kill HPV-infected cells when applied directly to the cervix.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in cancer vaccine development and cardiac health. A study on mice vaccinated with mimotopes inducing intermediate magnitude T cell responses found protection against tumor growth, while a study on Casq2-deficient mice revealed the mechanisms behind irregular heartbeats during exercise.
Researchers analyzed carbon isotopes in Greenland ice core samples to determine the source of a 50% increase in atmospheric methane around 12,000 years ago. They conclude that tropical wetlands and plant production are more likely causes than seafloor methane deposits.
The NHLBI's new guide to lowering cholesterol with TLC emphasizes the importance of a three-part program of diet, physical activity, and weight management. The guide provides tips on reducing saturated fat, trans fat, and dietary cholesterol, as well as strategies for increasing soluble fiber and plant stanols and sterols.
Researchers found that increasing brain levels of the enzyme ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (Uch-L1) can reverse lapses of memory in Alzheimer's mice. This suggests that Uch-L1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and could be a new target for therapy.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have successfully reversed myotonic muscular dystrophy in mice by removing toxic RNA from muscle cells. The disease causes progressive muscle wasting and other symptoms in about 40,000 people worldwide.
A study in The Journal of Pediatrics reveals that 85% of aggressive students have experienced a significant family crisis, highlighting the need for proactive strategies to identify potential dangers. The research also shows that 33% of students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have never received treatment.
New research reveals that European Neanderthals had the capacity for symbolic thinking and possessed sophisticated artefacts around 44,000 years ago. This challenges the conventional interpretation of the Grotte de Fées site in Central France.
Researchers found a recent increase in winter temperatures and cooling of summer temperatures, leading to glacier growth in higher mountain regions. This trend impacts the water availability for irrigation, with the vast Indus Basin Irrigation System supporting 170,000 square kilometers of land.
Researchers have developed a method to synthesize rasfonin, a cancer-killing compound derived from a fungus, in enough quantity to conduct proper biological tests. The new process produces 67 times more rasfonin than previous methods, offering a promising lead for the development of a potential anticancer drug.
The new guidelines offer 13 principles for rehabilitating drug offenders, aiming to reduce recidivism and crime rates. Implementing evidence-based treatment programs can lead to significant financial savings, with every dollar spent on addiction treatment resulting in a four to seven dollar reduction in community spending.
A recent editorial in The Lancet suggests that asthma may not be a single disease entity but rather a collection of symptoms with varying triggers and responses. This conclusion is based on the lack of understanding about what triggers inflammation in the airways, leading to the condition.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania discovered that adult stem cells depend on physical microenvironment clues to differentiate into various tissue types. By manipulating the firmness of the gel, scientists can guide stem cells towards specific fates.
MIT researchers confirm the existence of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus when learning occurs. Using advanced techniques, they found that certain key connections among neurons strengthen with learning, providing conclusive evidence for a fundamental learning mechanism.
Researchers found that vaccines inducing intermediate T cell responses effectively protected mice from tumor growth, while those with high responses did not. The study suggests re-evaluating the role of T cell response magnitude in vaccine development.
Researchers created the first 'encyclopedia' of nuclear receptors, revealing their role in regulating reproduction and nutrient metabolism. The study found that certain receptors form networks to control processes such as diet-derived lipid use for energy.
A new analysis of 50 years of changes in freshwater inputs to the Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic reveals that freshwater increases from Arctic Ocean sources are highly linked to a fresher North Atlantic. The study, published in Science, suggests that changes in climate and atmospheric dynamics may be driving this trend.
Researchers discovered variations in the GATA2 gene may predispose individuals to coronary artery disease, the most common form of heart disease. The discovery could lead to genetic tests predicting an individual's risk of developing the disease, encouraging early behavior modifications.
The study found that childhood allergy prevalence increased globally, with higher rates in Asia-Pacific and India. The prevalence of eczema was highest in young children, while hayfever showed increases across both age groups.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have identified a class of polyprismane molecules that exhibit auxetic behavior, getting thicker when stretched and thinner when compressed. This discovery has potential applications in bulletproof vests and medical technology.
Researchers have identified two chemical compounds, PBA and TUDCA, that alleviate ER stress and restore normal glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetic mice. These compounds also improved insulin response, reduced fatty liver disease, and prevented JNK activation, offering a potential new approach to treating metabolic syndrome.
Researchers at EMBL track individual cells in transparent fish embryos using advanced microscope techniques to find that they migrate to the right place to form eyes. This discovery suggests that other organs might be formed by individual cell migration rather than sheets of tissue.
Researchers have successfully induced differentiated adult cells to behave like embryonic stem cells using only four factors. This breakthrough enables the creation of pluripotent cells directly from a patient's own cells, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's disease and diabetes.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified a previously unknown way the trypanosome parasite that causes African sleeping sickness makes fatty acids. The discovery of this unique biochemical pathway could lead to the development of new drugs to treat the illness.
The Microbe experiment on board the space shuttle Atlantis will investigate how three common microorganisms adapt to microgravity, with potential benefits for developing new therapeutics and treatments for infectious diseases. The results will help NASA evaluate risks to astronauts on future missions to the moon and Mars.
A global health expert argues that up to seven neglected tropical diseases, including river blindness and trachoma, can be brought under control with increased coverage of existing programs. This could lead to the elimination of infections in some cases and improved health outcomes for millions of people in Africa.
A novel protein, RegIIIgamma, is produced by the intestinal lining to target and destroy bacterial invaders, offering insights into how the intestine maintains friendly relations with symbiotic microbes. The discovery may lead to new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and improved understanding of probiotics.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have successfully restored normal memory and synaptic function in mice suffering from Alzheimer's disease. By increasing the levels of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (Uch-L1), they were able to improve the animals' ability to create new memories.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has developed a database and web application called HEDDS to share information on sample collection sites, bird species sampled, and test results. The database provides current information on wild bird sampling for early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the United States.
A study by Purdue University researcher Ken Ferraro found that women who use religious media resources are more likely to be obese, while men who seek comfort through religion are less likely to be obese. To combat this, religious leaders should encourage physical activity and healthy eating habits.
New fossil evidence reveals plant and insect diversity were out of balance during Paleocene Epoch. Insect predation was low in most areas, but unexpectedly high in two early Paleocene sites, Castle Rock and Mexican Hat.
Scientists at Harvard University have developed nanowire arrays that can detect, stimulate, and inhibit nerve signals along individual axons and dendrites of live mammalian neurons. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of brain activity and signal propagation in neuronal networks.
Researchers found that using budesonide-formoterol as a reliever therapy significantly reduced the risk of severe asthma attacks in patients already on a preventive drug combination. This approach may lead to fewer hospitalizations and improved patient outcomes.
Human cells exposed to high-energy protons and then iron or titanium particles showed a significant increase in anchorage-independent growth, a characteristic of early cancer development. The timing of the particle exposure was critical, with cells responding more strongly when hit by protons first.
Researchers have found that mast cells play a crucial role in regulating the immune system, particularly in maintaining tolerance to transplanted skin. The study revealed that mast cells mediate immune suppression by interacting with regulatory T cells.
A team from the University of California, San Diego has identified the cells and protein responsible for detecting sour taste. The researchers found that each of the five basic tastes is detected by distinct receptors in separate cells, challenging a popular view that different tastes map to specific areas of the tongue.
A large follow-up study of over 50 families has identified more genetic perturbations in Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, providing clearer picture for diagnosis. The study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive clinical evaluations when diagnosing the disease.
Researchers warn that viruses like HIV and influenza can spread from monkeys to humans through contact in settings such as temples, markets, and homes. By taking precautions like using caution around monkeys, following proper wound care, and implementing public health measures, the risk of transmission can be reduced.
Researchers have gained insights into a critical reaction that transforms guanine base into 8-oxo-guanine, leading to cancer development. The reaction involves sodium ions promoting bonding between water molecules and the guanine base.
A new study recruiting up to 2,000 people from the remote Isles of Orkney aims to discover genes that predispose individuals to osteoporosis. The research will utilize a unique population isolated from the UK mainland, allowing for easier tracking and identification of genetic factors.
A US-Australian research team has detected radio pulses from a magnetar star, XTE J1810-197, which is giving off extraordinary radio pulses. The finding links this rare type of star with the much more common 'radio pulsars', reordering our understanding of these neutron stars.
Scientists have identified special proteins that help repair and protect the brain after it has been damaged by a lack of oxygen. Dr Nicole Jones and her team found that these proteins increase during oxygen deprivation, regulating processes like red blood cell production and glucose flow to the brain.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a tiny ion pump that can cool small microelectronic components efficiently. The device uses an electrical charge to create a cooling air jet and has been shown to significantly cool an actively heated surface on just 0.6 watts of power.
University of Iowa experts are warning that a commonly prescribed asthma medication combination can be deadly for certain patients. The long-acting asthma drug salmeterol used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid can worsen asthma symptoms for those who do not need the combination, leading to life-threatening problems.
Men do not adopt a 'female model' of parenthood with part-time work and high levels of child care. Fathers prioritize flexible work arrangements to accommodate family life, rather than reducing their working hours. Current policies may not address fathers' needs for adaptability.
The study's findings suggest that the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere may not have been as absolute as previously thought, with fluctuations occurring over time. The researchers analyzed ancient sediments and found that sulfur isotope ratios did not exhibit abnormal patterns consistent with an oxygen-free atmosphere.
The Biophysical Society has recognized twelve members with its 2007 awards, honoring their outstanding contributions to biophysics. The awardees include Klaus Gawrisch, Ken A. Dill, and Taekjip Ha, who have made significant impacts in fields such as lipid biophysics, single molecule research, and education.
Researchers found that men with lower PSA levels after seven months of hormone therapy had a longer survival rate. Patients with undetectable or low PSA levels lived up to 75 months, while those with higher PSA levels survived for 13 months.
A water filtration technique that combines activated carbon with membrane filters has been found to remove at least 95% of microcystin-lr, a toxin secreted by blue-green algae found in lakes and rivers. The technique outperformed other methods, including ultrafiltration membranes, which struggled to remove the toxin due to its small size.
A team of Rensselaer researchers is working to improve the energy efficiency of green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by doubling or tripling their power output. By leveraging the piezoelectric effect, they hope to develop a process to make higher-intensity green LEDs that convert electricity into light more efficiently.
Brandeis researchers discovered that cortical inhibition plays a key role in experience-dependent plasticity, with inhibitory networks within the cortex being highly plastic. This finding challenges traditional views on brain development and highlights the importance of targeting inhibitory networks for optimal cognitive growth.
Researchers have created a method to release substances into tumor cells using microcapsules and laser light, which could lead to more targeted cancer treatments. The technique involves heating the polymer shell of the capsule with infrared laser light, causing it to open and releasing its contents.
Researchers identified the cells and receptor responsible for sour taste, a primary gateway in all mammals for detecting spoiled food sources. The PKD2L1 receptor is found in a subpopulation of taste receptor cells on the tongue that do not function for sweet, bitter, or umami taste.
Researchers at Rice University found that single-celled microbes can recognize and preferentially associate with their relatives, directing altruistic behavior towards them. This ability is similar to kin recognition observed in animals and has significant implications for the social evolution of species.
A West Indian manatee has been sighted in various northeastern US waters, including the Hudson River and Cape Cod. Researchers used a manatee photo-identification database to rule out Chessie, a known manatee with distinctive markings, as the current traveler.