Researchers at the Salk Institute found that specific plant hormones activate different factors rather than a common target, contradicting the long-held assumption that they converge on a central growth regulatory module. This discovery was made using gene-chip technology and analysis of microarray data from the AtGenExpress project.
Emory scientists have identified and mapped over 400,000 insertions and deletions (INDELs) in the human genome, providing an expanded view of human genetic differences. These variations differ from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and are likely to impact human health and disease susceptibility.
Researchers continue studying aging and cognition decline with a $6.2 million grant to investigate biological changes that contribute to age-related cognitive decline. The study will focus on hormones such as human growth hormone and IGF-1, which have shown to improve learning and memory in older animals.
The University of Pennsylvania researchers found that some of the simplest social networks function poorly and that information beyond a local view can hinder complicated networks' ability to accomplish tasks. In contrast, engineered or hierarchical structures proved easier for subjects to solve problems.
Researchers uncover a unique population of cells within the sebaceous gland, which produce and maintain the oily mixture called sebum. The discovery sheds new light on how stem cells renew and differentiate, with implications for understanding sebaceous gland disorders.
A new study shows that anakinra, a rare arthritis drug, brings marked improvement to children and young adults with the devastating inflammatory disease NOMID. The treatment reduces inflammation, improves symptoms, and has a significant impact on the central nervous system.
A study by the University of Alberta found that forest fires can cause substantial increases in human health risks, resulting in mortality risk, restricted activity days, and acute respiratory symptoms. The study estimated economic losses of $9-12 million from a 2001 fire in Chisholm, Alberta.
The new $4 million collaboration will develop a cybernose using sensor proteins from insects and nematodes, allowing for more accurate smell detection in the wine industry. The technology has potential to detect pests and diseases, boosting Australia's biosecurity.
A new experimental RNA-based drug has been shown to kill prostate cancer cells by targeting specific genes and inducing cell death. The treatment, developed at Duke University Medical Center, was tested in mice and found to shrink tumor size by half without causing any side effects.
A study by University College London researchers found that canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) originated in a single wolf over 1,000 years ago and has since spread globally. The tumour cells are transmitted between dogs during sex, challenging current thinking about cancer.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that drug users who were coerced into treatment had a higher risk of dropping out. The proportion of individuals who completed treatment decreased from 5.8% to 3.5% between 1998 and 2002, while the number of re-presentations increased by 48.6%
Scientists have developed a new light microscope that can image cellular proteins with near-molecular resolution, surpassing conventional optical microscopes. This technique, called photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), allows researchers to discriminate molecules separated by as little as two to 25 nanometers apart.
A new study from the University of Washington found that children of smokers are more likely to smoke, binge drink or use marijuana in adolescence and adulthood. The study also discovered a link between substance use by parents and their children's behavior problems, with a transmission link observed across generations.
A new analysis of data from twin satellites reveals that Greenland's ice sheet is losing ice at a rate five times faster than the previous year and a half. The rapid loss of ice primarily affects one shoreline, potentially impacting ocean circulation and global sea levels.
A recent study found that positive religious resources can enhance hope and perceived social support in heart surgery patients, leading to less depression and anxiety. Negative religious thoughts and struggles hinder recovery, while faith-based positive coping styles provide a protective mechanism against psychological distress.
A team of computer scientists calls for an interdisciplinary approach to tap the Web's full richness, exploring its social and policy implications while ensuring trustworthiness and respect for boundaries. The 'science of the Web' aims to bring informative resources to the Web through enhanced searchability and usability.
A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry identified nine genetic regions associated with successful aging, with some affecting men and women differently. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive drinking also played a significant role in successful aging.
Researchers at UNC Health Care identified the cellular system that degrades faulty CFTR protein in cystic fibrosis, allowing some proteins to regain their proper shape. This understanding provides insight into potential therapeutics aimed at curing the disease.
UK doctors report a case where a patient's vision was severely damaged by taking prednisolone purchased online for four years. The authors highlight the risks of counterfeit and unregulated medications sold on the internet, which may interact with other treatments or have side effects.
Researchers found that a form of cancer affecting dogs is spread through the transmission of tumor cells, with evidence pointing to its origins in wolves or closely related ancient dog breeds. The disease has been transmitted among dogs for at least two centuries and has adapted to evade immune responses.
The Mayo Clinic team has developed a consensus statement recommending the use of pamidronate over zoledronic acid for starting therapy, and stopping or reducing bisphosphonates after two years for safe management of multiple myeloma. The guidelines aim to minimize adverse reactions while maintaining effective bone disease prevention.
A new study found that open-mindedness predicts higher intelligence in young adults, while disagreeableness is linked to better vocabulary and knowledge retention in older age. Conscientiousness also plays a role in strong short-term memory and visual processing in older adults.
A trachoma control programme using the SAFE strategy, which combines surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental change, significantly reduced active trachoma prevalence by 92% in two districts. The study highlights the potential for this approach to also benefit other communicable diseases like diarrhoea and pneumonia.
Using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), researchers observed the life cycle of RecA, a DNA recombination protein found in E. coli. They discovered that both ends of the filament continually grow and shrink, with one end growing primarily in one direction.
A recent study by Ohio State University researcher Tracy Tylka found that men are under immense pressure to have muscular bodies, which can lead to symptoms of eating disorders and unhealthy behaviors. The study of 285 college men showed that those who felt more pressure to be muscular were more likely to engage in unhealthy habits.
Researchers from Ohio State University and international partners assembled a 50-year record of snowfall in Antarctica, contradicting assumptions in some climate change models. The study suggests that global sea levels have not been slowed by a thickening of ice sheets.
Researchers have successfully induced differentiated adult cells to behave like embryonic stem cells using only four factors. The discovery could revolutionize the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes by providing a direct source of pluripotent cells from patients' own cells.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that managing early pregnancy failures in an office setting is an acceptable option for many women, with lower costs and longer procedures compared to operating room procedures. Women opted for the office procedure reported higher pain levels but no major complications.
Researchers discovered that Herceptin is effective in treating breast cancer tumors with low or undetectable HER-2 levels but high HRG expression. Continuous production of HRG activates the HER-2 receptor, promoting tumor growth and proliferation.
University of Michigan researchers found that invasive cattails alter the environment in ways that hinder native species but benefit the invaders. The cattails' litter accumulation creates a different environment with higher nutrient levels and lower light, which favors the invaders' growth.
A new analysis of ocean-floor sediments collected near the North Pole reveals that the Arctic was extremely warm, unusually wet, and ice-free during a prehistoric period 55 million years ago. The findings suggest that massive amounts of greenhouse gases were released into the Earth's atmosphere during this time.
Researchers are investigating antioxidants for preventing or treating rickettsia bacteria, a deadly tick-borne illness. The study, funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for rickettsial diseases.
A new species of hoofed mammal, Hemihegetotherium trilobus, has been discovered in Bolivia with distinctive three-lobed lower molar teeth. The animal is believed to have lived around 13 million years ago and was part of the notoungulate group, which dominated South America before its extinction.
Research reveals that young people who use condoms often apply them too late or remove them too soon, increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Those with a close relationship with their mothers are more likely to use condoms correctly.
Researchers found that taking Lipitor reduced the risk of secondary stroke by 16% and major coronary events by 35%. The study suggests that initiating statin treatment shortly after a stroke may be beneficial for patients at high risk.
A pilot research study led by Marina Bers explores how virtual environments can promote positive development in post-transplant adolescents and encourage adherence to treatment protocols. The study uses a three-dimensional virtual world called Zora, where children create and control their own identities and interact with others.
Researchers at Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus conducted a landscaping experiment to examine the impact of environmental surroundings on human behavior. The study found that individuals living in areas with lush landscapes preferred more recreational spaces, while those in desert environments barely knew their neighbors.
A University of Minnesota study found that teens with low body satisfaction are more likely to engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors, such as binge eating and smoking, which can lead to obesity and poor health. In contrast, those with a positive body image tend to prioritize healthy eating and exercise.
A 22-year study by Harvard Medical School found that the prevalence of overweight children increased from 6.3% to 10%, while infants showed a 59% rise in risk and a 74% increase in number of overweight infants. This suggests that efforts to prevent obesity must start early, even before birth.
The Lung Metagene Predictor scans thousands of genes to identify patterns of gene activity in individual tumors, predicting a patient's likelihood of recurrence and recommending chemotherapy accordingly. The test has the potential to save thousands of lives each year by targeting high-risk patients with aggressive treatment.
A gene that enables rice to survive complete submergence has been identified, allowing for development of new rice varieties that can withstand flooding. The discovery is expected to increase food security for 70 million poor people and reduce yield losses from weeds in areas like the United States.
A humanitarian response is required in Lebanon due to the dire situation faced by millions. The lack of access, security, and funding for aid delivery has exacerbated the crisis.
Researchers identified a number of activity patterns in genes that make tumors biologically different, providing valuable information for treatment decisions. Four out of five predictors showed significant agreement in their outcome predictions, indicating potential for personalized treatments.
A new study of twins found that genetic susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis is significantly increased among those born in the northern environment, with a higher concordance rate among identical twins. Northern residence also contributed to an earlier onset of the disease, suggesting environmental factors play a crucial role.
Experts recommend Arctic nations designate marine protected areas, foster economic adaptation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to cope with climate change. Implementing these policies could significantly slow the rates of Arctic change.
A team of scientists has revealed detailed images of embryos over 500 million years old, shedding light on the evolutionary changes of the penis worm. The study uses synchrotron-radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy to reconstruct internal anatomy and reveals unique patterns in embryonic development.
SNAP, a NASA-supported mission, aims to measure the expansion history of the universe and investigate dark energy. Using two independent techniques, it will analyze thousands of Type Ia supernovae and independently probe the growth structure of the universe.
A study found that exposure to similar logos reduces brand-exclusive recall by one-third, on average. Consumers' relative knowledge of the two product categories also impacts retrieval.
Researchers at University of Central Florida have discovered a defense peptide that can effectively block the HIV-1 virus from entering and infecting blood cells. The peptide, retrocyclin, has shown minimal resistance to the virus over 100 days, making it a promising candidate for developing an affordable treatment.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed Ballbot, a self-contained mobile robot that balances dynamically on a single sphere, enabling it to move easily among people and furniture. The robot's tall and skinny design allows it to outperform traditional statically stable robots in environments with obstacles.
A five-year study found that taking atorvastatin soon after a stroke can reduce the risk of recurrent stroke by 16 percent in people with no known history of coronary heart disease. The study also showed that atorvastatin reduces the risk of other major coronary events, such as heart attack and cardiovascular events.
A four-year study found chronically high blood sugar associated with increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Women with elevated glycosylated hemoglobin were four times more likely to develop MCI or dementia than those with lower levels.
A recent study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that never-married individuals are 58% more likely to die between 1989 and 1997 compared to their married peers. The 'never married penalty' is higher for those in excellent health, but not among the poor or elderly.
Researchers have uncovered a genetic 'snooze button' that regulates when plants bloom in the spring, allowing them to compete for resources. The study's findings offer hints at precise control over flowering, essential for agriculture and plant reproduction.
Research on over 14,000 hospital patients and 38,000 controls found that workplace violence increases the risk of depression by 45-48% in both men and women. The magnitude of risk is directly proportional to the amount of violence experienced at work.
A large representative survey found that 3.5% of adolescents in the US had ever exchanged sex for drugs or money, with higher rates among African American youths and those from non-traditional family setups. The study also showed a significant link between exchanging sex and drug use, as well as depression and having been forced into sex.
A $2.25 million NIMH-funded study is being conducted at Kent State University to examine the psychological impact of ongoing terrorism on PTSD and depression. The study aims to identify factors that exacerbate mental health issues, such as prior trauma exposure and social support.
Scientists replicated HCV in mouse cells using a gene called protein kinase R, blocking the virus's high rate of replication. This breakthrough may lead to better understanding of why some patients respond to treatment, potentially shedding light on new therapeutic strategies.
A new study from the University of Chicago Press Journals reveals that consumers perceive price hikes differently for material goods and services. Consumers consider fair price increases when costs associated with production or provision increase, but not when service costs and vendor profits are linked.
Research suggests Transcendental Meditation can modify brain function to reduce trait anxiety and stress reactivity, improving outcomes for those with acute and chronic pain. The study's findings have implications for pain management and treatment of conditions like depression and anxiety.