Researchers identified a connection between pregnane X receptor (PXR) and neuroprotection in a mouse model of Niemann-Pick type C disease. Activating PXR with known activators, such as dilantin and St. John's Wort, may help clear toxic cholesterol byproducts.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that nanocantilevers, coated with antibodies, attract different densities of proteins depending on their length. This phenomenon could lead to the development of advanced sensors capable of detecting minute quantities of contaminants.
Dr. Catherine Cesarsky has been elected as the new President of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for a three-year term, becoming the first woman to receive this distinction. She brings extensive experience in research and leadership, having previously served as ESO Director General.
Researchers at Penn's Department of Radiology will utilize a new 7 Tesla whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system for high-field imaging. The ultra-high field magnet will improve sensitivity, speed, and image resolution, enabling detection of disease in ways never seen before.
A massive 10-year study in Sardinia found no connection between Type A personality and heart disease, contrary to previous studies. The research measured the genes and traits of over 6,000 people aged 14-102, finding a strong genetic component for many traits.
A new microchip-based test called FluChip can distinguish among 72 influenza strains in under 12 hours, enhancing global flu surveillance efforts. This technology has the potential to increase laboratory diagnostic capacity and provide critical information on the geographic origin of emerging viruses.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery on how the body's T cells react to parasitic diseases. The study found that T cells focus on specific peptides in response to infection, including Chagas Disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. This new understanding may lead to improved vaccine development for all parasitic diseases.
A team of researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology successfully tested a hydrogen-powered unmanned aircraft with a 22-foot wingspan, generating only 500 watts of power. The fuel-cell system makes the aircraft more compelling than just a lab demonstration or even a fuel cell system powering a house.
The University of Pittsburgh has been designated as an American Parkinson Disease Association Advanced Center for Parkinson's Disease Research. The center will focus on developing early diagnosis methods and understanding iron accumulation in the PD brain. Dr. J. Timothy Greenamyre will direct the center.
Researchers at EMBL have identified a microRNA called bantam as the key regulator of the Hippo signaling pathway, which controls cell division and death. Without bantam, tissues grow too slowly and remain smaller than normal.
Researchers are investigating whether a pint of English cider can provide health benefits similar to apples, thanks to its high levels of phenolics. A three-year study is underway to analyze how humans absorb these compounds and explore ways to adapt production methods to maintain high phenolic levels.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that acamprosate improved sleep disturbances in alcohol-dependent patients attempting to stop drinking. The medication was shown to reduce sleep problems during acute withdrawal and maintain its effects after two weeks of treatment.
Researchers found that a variant of the ADH gene influences response to alcohol among non-Asians, potentially decreasing risk for alcoholism. The study suggests that genetic factors can impact an individual's ability to interpret other genes' effects.
Researchers identify small synthetic molecule PAC-1 that directly activates procaspase-3 and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. This discovery offers a promising approach for personalized anti-cancer therapy by bypassing the broken signaling pathway in cancer cells.
A new study from Harvard Medical School identifies neurons in the parietal cortex that assist in categorizing visual stimuli, and how brain activity patterns change with learning. The findings suggest categories are encoded by individual neurons and the parietal cortex plays a key role in learning and recognizing visual images.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have unraveled the signals governing ovarian development, revealing a feedback loop that ensures sufficient primordial germ cells in the ovary. This discovery has implications for understanding organ growth, regeneration, and disease treatment using stem cells.
A recent Italian school study found high rates of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), with prevalence rates three times higher than previously estimated for Western Europe. The study used active surveillance to identify children with growth and behavioral problems, revealing a significant associati...
A new study found that long-term abstinence from alcohol can resolve many neurocognitive deficits, including short- and long-term memory, planning, learning, and comprehension. However, spatial processing abilities may be impaired, affecting daily activities like driving.
The MitoChip v2.0 is a second-generation 'lab on a silicon chip' that rapidly sequences all mitochondrial DNA, accelerating research in fields like cancer diagnostics and gerontology. The new tool detected nearly three dozen variations in the non-coding D-loop region, improving its sensitivity and reproducibility.
Researchers found that the human gut stores a significant amount of HIV, equivalent to nearly twice the amount in the bloodstream. The gut's role in harboring the virus was not fully understood until now.
The study found that crucian carp store vast amounts of glycogen in their brain to survive anoxia, with levels reaching 15 times higher in February than July. This adaptation allows them to extend their survival time without oxygen by 150-fold.
A comprehensive scan of the human genome has identified 51 chromosomal regions linked to alcohol addiction. The study provides new tools for understanding the physiological foundation of addiction and identifying individuals at risk.
New research led by University of Oregon's Douglas Kennett sheds light on Rapa, a French Polynesian Island, revealing a late pulse of colonization around A.D. 1200. The settlement date matches Easter Island's and provides insights into population dispersal mechanisms, highlighting the challenges of environmental degradation.
Researchers at Cardiff University developed an innovative algorithm inspired by honey bees' waggle dance to maximize results in manufacturing processes. The Bees Algorithm enables companies to efficiently adjust basic elements of their operations, resulting in significant cost savings.
Andrei Okounkov, Terence Tao and Wendelin Werner are honored with the Fields Medal for their work in probability, representation theory and algebraic geometry. Their contributions have brought new insights into problems in physics and mathematics.
Researchers found that modified versions of bisphenol A stimulate breast tumor cell growth and are absorbed by breast cancer cells. The study suggests human enzymes convert BPA into a more toxic form, increasing the risk of breast cancer. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers analyzed data from 11 studies and found that blacks with diabetes had about 0.65% less A1C levels, a measure of blood sugar control, compared to whites. This disparity contributes to higher rates of diabetes complications among blacks.
The Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) has been adopted for operational use, predicting extreme weather with substantially improved accuracy. The high-resolution WRF serves both public forecasts and cutting-edge research, leading to better forecasts.
The M/V Susitna will operate as a ferry between Anchorage and Port Mackenzie, while also being used as a technology demonstrator for the Navy's expeditionary warfare concepts. The vessel features a unique hull design with adjustable buoyancy and multiple modes of operation.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working on a project to purify fuel ethanol into beverage alcohol, reducing production costs. Two technologies – ozone gas treatment and granular activated carbon filtering – will be used to remove impurities from the fuel.
Researchers at Princeton University claim the Earth's magnetic field suggests a massive tilt occurred about 800 million years ago. This 'true polar wander' event could have shifted entire continents, producing mysterious geochemical changes in ancient oceans.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center are working to reverse paralysis and lessen spinal cord injury effects through new projects funded by speeding fines. The grants support studies into nerve regeneration, astrocyte role, and remyelination.
Scientists have discovered a common coastal strain of cyanobacteria that thrives in choppy, polluted waters. The study found that this strain has evolved unique metal-processing biology missing in its open-ocean relative, enabling it to absorb and process essential metals.
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.