Researchers at Carnegie Institution for Science have developed a new technology to monitor glucose levels in leaf and root tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing extremely low sugar levels in roots. The breakthrough enables studies on sugar metabolism in plants and has potential applications for engineering higher crop yields.
A study of Old World fruit flies found increased frequency of low-latitude inversions in their chromosomes, suggesting protection against warmer temperatures. This rapid genetic shift is detectable even for samples separated by fewer than two decades, highlighting the potential for species adaptation to climate change.
Scientists determined that nitrogen is the primary element missing for algae growth in the northern tropical Pacific, while iron was lacking everywhere else. The 'iron-effect' decreases carbon ocean plant photosynthesis estimates by two billion tons, allowing for more accurate carbon movement modeling and resource management.
A new type of diode laser, called quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), may revolutionize aircraft protection by emitting high-power light at specific wavelengths. The QCLs can operate at room temperature and have a power conversion efficiency of 10 percent, making them ideal for widespread use in infrared countermeasure systems.
Researchers at the Salk Institute and UCLA developed a high-density microarray technique to capture genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in Arabidopsis, a plant species. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding human genome analysis, stem cell biology, and therapeutic cloning.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has developed a new statistical technique that enables researchers to statistically analyze results of clinical trials without traditional control groups. This novel approach allows for the early adoption of new treatments and validates the use of interim analyses in clinical trials.
Researchers have discovered how nanoscale magnetic oscillators communicate using spin waves, enabling them to synchronize signals and achieve stronger signal strength. This finding has implications for designing nano-oscillator arrays for use in cell phones, radar systems, or computer chips.
George M. Whitesides receives the 2007 Priestley Medal for his groundbreaking research in NMR, materials science, and nanotechnology, with potential applications in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and medical diagnostics.
Researchers successfully transformed normal immune cells into tumor fighters, demonstrating their ability to persist in the body and shrink large tumors in humans. The engineered cells were found to show signs of persistence in 15 of the 17 patients in the study, with two patients seeing significant tumor shrinkage.
Key findings highlight the need for rapid screening programs and strict contact precautions in hospitals to prevent MRSA transmission. Community-acquired MRSA poses a critical public health priority, requiring immediate action to control outbreaks and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Research conducted at NIH/NIEHS found that men with increased body mass index (BMI) were more likely to be infertile than normal-weight men. A 20-pound weight gain was associated with a nearly 2-fold increase in infertility among obese men.
NDRI has received a starter grant from the Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation to develop and implement a training program on hepatitis C for clinical and non-clinical staff in New York City outpatient drug treatment programs. The program aims to enhance services delivered in these programs and promote effective public health responses.
A team of scientists led by Dr. Xiaojiang Chen have uncovered the molecular mechanism behind how a viral oncoprotein inactivates p53. The study reveals that the viral protein binds to p53, causing a conformational change that prevents it from binding to DNA and thus abolishes its tumor-suppressing function.
Researchers investigated association between TNF blocker use and cancer risk in RA patients. They found no increased risk of lymphoma or tumors associated with anti-TNF therapy over methotrexate use. The study used a large sample of patients and found an overall difference in estimated cancer risk less than 5 percent.
A study by CU, Scripps researchers provides evidence of how proteins fold to create their characteristic shapes and biological functions. They propose that nonpolar groups in a polypeptide chain are responsible for initial folding, which then propagates to form the final folded structure.
Researchers at JILA demonstrated that gold nanoparticles can be trapped and detected six times more easily than polystyrene particles of similar size. However, the high heating effect could damage molecules under study, limiting their use in temperature-sensitive experiments.
A recent study by University of Alberta psychologist Dr. Norman Brown found that momentous events like 9/11 do not drastically change people's daily lives. Instead, their memories are influenced more by historical events that have a significant impact on their daily routines.
St. Jude researchers have solved a 25-year mystery by discovering the first biochemical step that many disease-causing bacteria use to build their membranes. The discovery holds promise for effective, new antibiotics against these bacteria, which would not cause dangerous side effects.
A new study by a University of Colorado at Boulder researcher found that an in-class writing assignment reduced the achievement gap between African-American and nonminority students by 40%. The study suggests that targeted psychological interventions could help narrow the racial achievement gap among U.S. students.
Researchers launch large balloons with instrument packages over Africa and the Atlantic to gather data on hurricane conditions. The data will help predict which systems develop into hurricanes, providing critical insights for improving weather forecasting.
A team of Wisconsin scientists has found a simple process to expand on nature's chemical creativity, making critical anticancer agents and antibiotics. The discovery opens the door to a variety of new opportunities in the natural product drug arena.
Researchers identified a platelet-regulating gene mutation involved in lupus nephritis, and a novel adhesion molecule implicated in rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests links between the mutations, loss of protein expression, defect in platelet function, and regression of kidney damage.
A daily glass of orange juice can boost citrate levels in the urine and reduce crystallization of uric acid and calcium oxalate, two common ingredients in kidney stones. In contrast, lemonade did not increase citrate levels, suggesting that its constituents counteract the beneficial effects of high citrate content.
A new study by University of Florida researchers links morbid obesity in toddlers to lower IQ scores and cognitive delays. The study found that children with early-onset morbid obesity had an average IQ score of 78, compared to a normal range of 106 for their siblings.
A six-year study at a massive experimental landscape found that wildlife corridors support more plant species, particularly native ones, than isolated areas. The results suggest that corridors are crucial for preserving both wildlife and plant biodiversity.
Researchers found that drinking three or more servings of fruit and vegetable juices per week reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 76 percent. The benefit was particularly enhanced for subjects carrying a specific genetic marker linked to late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
A new study reveals that landscape corridors can promote plant diversity by connecting isolated patches of habitat. The research found that patches with corridors retained high numbers of species, while those without lost species. Corridors provide the largest benefit to native species.
The study reveals crucial aspects of SOD and soybean root rot diseases, including the ability of pathogens to evade plant defense responses and kill plant tissue. The genomic sequence data provides insights into the disease mechanisms and can be used to develop new detection systems and control methods
The Microscale Life Sciences Center at ASU has been awarded a five-year $18 million grant to continue its research on cell growth and death, aiming to understand the nature of disease processes. The center will develop miniature automated systems to analyze differences between healthy and diseased body cells.
Researchers found that both amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) carry a low risk of miscarriage. While CVS was initially believed to have a higher rate of miscarriage, the study revealed that this risk decreased over time.
The Lancet calls for greater transparency and accountability in the selection of a new Global Fund Executive Director. The current secretive process could undermine the organization's ability to improve global health, according to an Editorial published in The Lancet.
The genome sequences of Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora sojae reveal a recent expansion and diversification of deadly genes, suggesting a benign photosynthetic ancestor. The sequences also indicate a rapidly evolving secretome involved in plant infection mechanisms.
A University of Southern California-led research group used X-ray crystallography to study the struggle between LTag, a cancer-causing protein, and p53, a key tumor suppressor. The study found that LTag inhibits p53's role by tying up six molecules, but p53 fights back by preventing virus replication.
The September volume of The Annals explores the possibility of preventing a catastrophic nuclear terrorist attack by examining historical trends and proposing solutions. Scholars emphasize the need for world leaders to recognize the gravity of this threat and take proactive steps to prevent it.
Researchers analyze cases of vitamin D deficiency in UK and conclude that supplementing Asian children for two years from birth can curb re-emergence of the deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to various health problems, including rickets, poor tooth formation, and increased risk of multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
A study published in Circulation found that the financial burden on women with chest pain and blocked coronary arteries can total more than $1 million during their lifetime. Women with nonobstructive coronary artery disease also face significant costs, including higher drug expenses.
Researchers discovered that a switch in just two amino acids can make a difference between functioning at moderate temperatures and adapting to extreme heat. This finding has implications for adjusting crops to climate conditions and improving enzyme efficiency in industrial processes.
A new study found that removing deer from small areas can lead to increased tick populations and higher rates of tick-borne diseases. In contrast to previous studies, researchers discovered that smaller deer-free zones tend to harbor more ticks, making them potential disease hotspots.
A new electrode material has been developed that improves battery power and charge retention. The material, which combines nickel, cobalt, and manganese ions at regular intervals, allows for high rates of discharge and energy storage.
The PBS/NOVA documentary 'Forgotten Genius' celebrates the life and work of Percy Julian, a trailblazing chemist who made significant contributions to the field. Julian's research led to the synthesis of physostigmine, a drug used in glaucoma treatment, and he was a pioneer in biomedical research.
For hematopoietic stem cells, a two-step process regulates cell fate decisions, with pioneer transcription factors triggering the first step and secondary factors activating specific genes. Understanding this circuitry is crucial for learning how to transform stem cells into therapeutically useful cells.
The study suggests that eczema and hay fever prevalence has plateaued or declined in recent years, while hospital admissions for these conditions have stabilized. Systemic allergies, including anaphylaxis, food allergy, and urticaria, have shown a significant increase in rates over the past few decades.
For the first time a star has been observed as it goes supernova – a mind-bogglingly powerful explosion that briefly outshines an entire galaxy. UK scientists used NASA's Swift satellite and a combination of orbiting and ground-based observatories to catch the event in real-time.
New research confirms the human body is designed to resist weight loss efforts due to strong mechanisms defending against caloric deficits. Dr. Neil King's studies demonstrate a 'plateau effect,' where weight loss from exercise and calorie restrictions stalls at a certain point.
The study examined clinical and cognitive predictors of swallowing recovery in stroke patients. Identification of specific neurocognitive deficits and clinical features was associated with poor swallowing outcomes.
Scientists at SUNY Downstate Medical Center discovered a molecular mechanism maintaining memories in the brain by inhibiting a specific enzyme, protein kinase M zeta. This finding may have applications in treating chronic pain and memory loss conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
A Swedish HIV vaccine trial has shown that over 90% of subjects developed an immune response to HIV after receiving the vaccine, demonstrating a high level of protection against the virus. The study's results are promising and could lead to further clinical trials in Africa.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that men who took nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) had a 50 percent lower risk of developing an enlarged prostate and a 35 percent lower risk of moderate to severe urinary symptoms compared to non-users.
A scientist-astronaut is sending human T-cells to the International Space Station to study why they don't activate properly in microgravity. The experiment aims to identify which genes are not expressed in space, shedding light on immunosuppression and potential treatments for astronauts.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that celecoxib, a commonly used painkiller, significantly reduced the incidence of potentially pre-malignant colorectal polyps by 36% in patients taking a daily dose. The study involved over 1,550 participants and showed a greater effect on advanced adenomas.
Researchers print carbon nanotubes on paper and plastic surfaces, creating conductive patterns that could be used in flexible electronics, sensors, and other applications. The approach is simple, versatile, and inexpensive, making it a potential alternative to current methods.
A new study found that large segments of the Pacific Ocean lack sufficient iron to trigger healthy phytoplankton growth, leading to overestimated ocean productivity. The researchers estimate a 2-4% reduction in global ocean carbon uptake due to this oversight.
Researchers discovered that a protein called ChREBP initiates fat storage when carbohydrates are present. Disabling this protein reduces obesity and improves glucose control in obese mice. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating type 2 diabetes.
Research found that longstanding anger and hostility compromise lung function and hasten natural decline in lung power with age. The study of 670 men aged 45-86 showed a significant association between higher levels of hostility and poorer lung function.
A study led by University of California, Santa Cruz researchers has confirmed that bullet fragments and shotgun pellets are the principal sources of lead poisoning in California condors. The study found that 77% of birds tested had lead levels linked to ammunition, highlighting the need for action to reduce lead exposure.
A UC Davis study of a Sacramento-area program found that healthier snack options increased daily servings of fruit by 83 percent and reduced saturated fat consumption by 42 percent. However, the new menu also led to a reduction in calcium and vitamin A intake due to the removal of dairy products.
LCPs have shown promise as a microscale building block for lab-on-a-chip devices. They can be fabricated and patterned on a microscale, converting thermal, chemical, and electromagnetic stimuli into mechanical energy.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute successfully silenced two additional virulence genes in amoebae, rendering them harmless while preserving surface antigens. The disabled amoebae may serve as a live vaccine to combat life-threatening amoebic diseases.
Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a new type of transistor that uses quantum mechanics to regulate current flow in single molecules. This breakthrough could enable the creation of incredibly powerful, compact computers and medical devices.
According to researchers at Harvard University and the University of Michigan, healthcare in America has been cost-effective overall. The study found that improved healthcare contributed significantly to increased life expectancy, with 70% of gains attributed to reductions in cardiovascular disease deaths.