Researchers from the University of British Columbia successfully produced proteins with new mechanical properties through DNA shuffling of two titin domains. The study reveals that different arrangements of protein segments can significantly impact mechanical stability, challenging previous assumptions.
A team of researchers has developed a simple technique to predict the late risk of dementia based on midlife risk factors, including systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and cholesterol levels. The risk score predicts dementia well, particularly in individuals with high age, low education, and obesity.
A study found that UK recommendations on paracetamol availability are not being followed, with many pharmacies and outlets selling more than 16 tablets at a time. The researchers discovered that almost half of patients who visited the emergency department for paracetamol poisoning had deliberately bought the medication for an overdose.
The US Department of Energy is launching two new Bioenergy Research Centers to accelerate basic research on the development of cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels. The centers will focus on systems biology research on microbes and plants, with the goal of harnessing nature's own mechanisms for producing energy from sunlight.
Researchers discovered that specialized skin cells direct embryonic patterning and wound healing by sending vital location cues to their neighbors. This finding has implications for regenerating certain parts of the body and understanding metastatic cancer.
Dick Kerr, Senior Writer at Science, receives GSA's highest public service award for his work in enhancing earth sciences understanding. With over 1200 science-news articles written, Kerr has made significant contributions to geoscience education and dialogue.
A team of researchers at the California Institute of Technology has identified a specific region in the brain responsible for processing risk and reward, known as the 'gambling circuitry'. This discovery could help understand abnormal risk-taking behavior in disorders such as addiction and bipolar disorder.
The latest issue of Cold Spring Harbor Protocols highlights over 50 new RNA interference methods for researchers to study gene functions in model organisms. These protocols provide detailed guidelines for handling embryonic stem cells, visualizing programmed cell death, and preparing cells for microscopic imaging.
Researchers found that novelty activates brain's midbrain region, regulating motivation and dopamine release. Combining new facts with familiar information improves memory recall, even after a delay.
New research from Ohio State University finds that severe heat waves are particularly deadly in neighborhoods without businesses to draw older people out of their apartments. The study analyzed data from the 1995 Chicago heat wave and found higher-than-average mortality rates in areas with run-down, liquor-focused businesses.
The Commonwealth Fund Commission recommends implementing major quality and safety improvements, expanding information technology, and increasing public reporting on quality and costs. The report aims to establish more organized systems of care to improve value and provide reliable comparison of results among providers.
Research found that smoking significantly increased the odds of developing rheumatoid arthritis in older Caucasian women without a genetic risk factor. The study, which included 115 postmenopausal women, revealed that tobacco smoke exposure doubled the risk of disease development.
A recent study published in Policy Sciences examines the ethnic differences in job quality among US forest workers. The research reveals that Hispanic workers face more onerous jobs with fewer benefits, including less job security and no health insurance compared to white workers.
Georgia Tech researchers develop wavelength-demultipler (WD) that can separate high-resolution wavelengths in tight confines, solving problems with combining delicate optical functions. The WD is integrated into a microchip for signal processing, communications, or sensing applications.
The Geological Society of America Distinguished Service Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the society's thriving publications program. Three 2006 awardees - Dr. Abhijit Basu, David E. Fastovsky, and Roger L. Kaesler - have expanded the program through their leadership and service.
A new system, developed by University of Florida engineers, can produce all three essentials - water, electricity, and refrigeration - from a single source. The system, which harnesses the power of gas turbines, achieves this through a heat-operated refrigeration process, making it efficient and compact.
Tiny airborne particles, similar to nanoparticles, follow a rapid and efficient pathway from the nasal cavity to various regions of the brain in rats. The study found increased gene expression signaling inflammation and cellular stress response, but it is unclear if ultrafine particle buildup causes brain damage.
Researchers have developed autonomous liquid microlenses that can adapt their focal length without external control. These smart lenses use hydrogels responding to physical, chemical or biological stimuli to enable new sensing methods in lab-on-a-chip environments and medical diagnostics.
Researchers suggest that Toxoplasma gondii, a common cat parasite, may influence human behavior and cultural aspects such as ego, money, and work. High prevalence of the parasite in certain regions is associated with higher neuroticism scores and differences in masculine sex roles.
Researchers at Columbia University will study the health effects of arsenic in groundwater, particularly in New England and South Asia. The $16.9M grant will investigate the geochemistry and exposure sources of arsenic, as well as its effects on children's health.
Taking slightly longer to smell an odor can lead to more accurate identification, a discovery that sheds light on the brain's olfactory processing. The study, published in Neuron, reveals a clear relationship between sampling time and accuracy, implications for understanding human olfaction.
The substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA) is activated by unexpected stimuli, emotional arousal, or the need to respond behaviorally. Novelty enhances learning in humans, suggesting a functional loop between novelty and hippocampal function.
The study compared MDCT and digital radiography in orthopedic patients, finding that 63% were concordant, while 37% showed discordant results. MDCT was underestimation or overestimation in some cases, highlighting its potential value in bone healing evaluation.
A study found that sonographically guided injections of steroid and anesthetic can quickly alleviate symptoms in professional soccer players with posterior ankle impingement. The treatment, which uses imaging guidance to target specific areas of pain, showed promising results in a small group of athletes.
A new study found that older age is an independent risk factor for developing bleeding in the body, particularly intracranial hemorrhage in the brain. Carefully monitored warfarin therapy can be used with reasonable safety in older patients.
A new study suggests that women with endometrial cancer should be screened for inherited Lynch syndrome mutations, which are associated with a high risk of several cancers. The study found that 1.8% of newly diagnosed endometrial cancer patients have these mutations, highlighting the importance of genetic screening and early detection.
The revised guidelines recommend using risk factors for stroke to determine whether anti-clotting therapy is given to people with atrial fibrillation. Aspirin or warfarin is recommended for patients with certain risk factors, and daily aspirin therapy is suggested for those without stroke risk factors.
A Purdue University researcher has developed a molecule that can effectively combat drug-resistant strains of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The FDA recently approved the pill-based therapy, known as Darunavir, which is expected to be available to physicians this year.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a material that can operate at room temperature, allowing for the manipulation of electrons' magnetism. This breakthrough has the potential to create broad new capabilities for computers and digital devices, including reduced power consumption.
A new study by Dr. Karim Jamal found that stricter website regulations actually make users less trustworthy, while ineffective government oversight in the UK is more costly. The study's results suggest a self-regulated market approach with word-of-mouth and industry seals of approval may be a better way to protect user privacy.
A study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that higher blood pressure is associated with a decline in walking ability in older persons. The research, led by Dr. Raj Shah, suggests that controlling blood pressure may help prevent gait difficulties in older adults.
Researchers discovered that HIV's surface glycoprotein interacts with CXCR4 on uninfected CD4+ T cells, triggering autophagy. This interaction leads to the death of uninfected bystander cells, contributing to the depletion of immune system cells in AIDS patients.
The number of vCJD cases continues to decline due to BSE-infected beef consumption, but researchers explore the potential for transmission via blood transfusions and surgical operations. Key factors determining epidemic scale include instrument reuse frequency and cleaning effectiveness.
Scientists at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh found that a category of genes known as pseudogenes serve no function, bolstering the theory of evolution. The study contradicts previous claims made by Intelligent Design proponents and suggests that pseudogenes are evolutionary relics with no function.
Arizona State University researcher Jianguo Wu is leading a five-year project to study the relationships between species in the Eurasia Grassland, one of the world's largest contiguous biomes. The project aims to understand how different species function together and create realistic gradients of biodiversity.
A study found that drinking flavanol-rich cocoa improved blood vessel function in both young and older adults. This suggests that flavanol-rich cocoa may be a useful dietary approach for maintaining endothelial vessel function, particularly in the aging population.
A study found that HPV16 and 18 variants persist longer in people whose ancestors are from the same geographical area as the virus. The research suggests that genetic variants specific to racial groups may play a role in persistence. Future studies should examine possible mechanisms behind variant-specific immune evasion.
Research published in The Lancet Oncology reveals anastrozole has fewer adverse effects and withdrawals compared to tamoxifen. Anastrozole showed a significantly better risk-benefit profile, particularly at 1-2 years of treatment.
A genetic mutation in a kidney structure has been linked to protein leakage into the urine, leading to kidney failure. Researchers found that the glomerular basement membrane normally retains blood proteins, while another structure plays a role in regulating their concentration.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have engineered a modified measles virus that specifically targets and kills cancer cells by recognizing unique protein secretions. This breakthrough enhances the safety and effectiveness of oncolytic virotherapy, reducing the risk of unintended infections while improving cancer treatment outcomes.
A new study finds that hospice enrollment rates vary more by health center than individual patient characteristics. Additionally, a meta-analysis suggests that high processed meat consumption is associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer, while another study identifies a potential target for leukemia treatment and notes the pe...
Researchers at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research discovered that SREBP1 regulates both lipid synthesis and cell cycle progression. Disrupting SREBP1 activity can prevent lipid production, which is essential for new cell wall construction.
Post-tsunami mental health studies found elevated rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression among survivors in Thailand. Loss of livelihood was a significant predictor of these symptoms. Children also showed increased symptoms of depression and PTSD.
New data demonstrate that lamotrigine is an effective adjunctive therapy for treating primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures in children and adolescents. The study found a significant reduction in PGTC seizure counts among patients receiving lamotrigine, with a median percent decrease of 77% compared to the placebo group.
Research suggests that folate deficiency during pregnancy can cause genetic mutations leading to schizophrenia, challenging the conventional wisdom on psychiatric disorders. The study of two major famines in the 20th century supports a theory of medical genetics where multiple genetic mutations contribute to diseases.
Researchers developed a new measure of adherence to dietary guidelines in young children, finding that adherence decreases as children get older. An adjustable wedge aid also showed promise in reducing portion size estimation errors.
Researchers analyzed the mechanism controlling body size in Manduca sexta and found that it is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The study suggests that a balance between growth rate and developmental time determines optimal body size.
A new study outlines an innovative approach to create a CMV vaccine using recombinant technologies. Researchers have successfully introduced human CMV genes into mouse CMV, resulting in a novel form of the virus that can trigger an immune response without sustaining infection.
Species unique to tidal marshes are vulnerable to habitat loss due to coastal development and sea level rise. Toxic wastes and invasive species also pose a significant threat to these endemic species. The American Institute of Biological Sciences argues for an expanded research program to better understand the impacts of these threats.
New research published in Science reveals that specific bacteria present on gold grains precipitate gold from solution, providing a biological mechanism for gold formation. The study identified the bacterium Ralstonia metallidurans as responsible for this process, which has significant implications for the mineral exploration industry.
Researchers found that patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who responded well to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) prior to liver transplantation had a higher survival rate. The study's findings challenge the traditional use of Milan criteria, which rely on tumor size and number, as a reliable predictor of recurrence.
A recent study published in Resuscitation found that confusion is a major obstacle for CPR volunteers when responding to medical emergencies, rather than stress. The researchers surveyed 1,243 laypeople trained in CPR and found that practical issues such as crowd control and skill performance were more concerning than emotions.
New radiocarbon dating reveals Maui's temples were built in cycles with warfare and island consolidation, shifting from open-air ancestral worship to elaborate sacrificial offerings. The findings provide insight into the economic, political, and ritual development of ancient Hawaiian civilization.
A new study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that combining tongue and tooth brushing with dental flossing significantly decreased gingival bleeding by 38 percent after a two-week oral hygiene program. Halitosis was also reduced, with gingival bleeding sites increasing by almost four percent in those who didn't floss.
Scientists identified a genetic element that the dengue virus uses to replicate, triggering the potentially fatal illness known as dengue hemorrhagic fever. The discovery provides a model for RNA replication in flaviviruses, which cause millions of cases of human illness each year.
Researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute have made a groundbreaking discovery about the parkin gene, which plays a novel role in nerve cell survival. This finding may help identify potential treatment targets for Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Research comparing different screening instruments found that women prefer self-completed questionnaires over face-to-face interviews for disclosing experiences of intimate partner violence. The written WAST format yielded significantly less missing data, making it a suitable option for both clinical and research applications.
A new study by Newcastle University and the International University Bremen found that long nerve fibre connections are essential for brain function, contradicting a prevailing theory. The research used computer analysis of public databases to show that long fibres can send messages quickly over longer distances compared to short fibres.
Researchers at Purdue University have successfully grown individual carbon nanotubes vertically on a silicon wafer, paving the way for advanced electronics and sensing technologies. This breakthrough technique enables vertical integration of nanotubes, increasing device density and reducing size.
Genetic analysis of Alaskan spruce trees reveals a tree refuge in Alaska during the last glacial period, suggesting slower migration rates than previously thought. The findings have important implications for understanding plant responses to climate change and conserving biodiversity.