Researchers identified a mutated separase gene responsible for chromosomal instability and increased tumor load in zebrafish exposed to carcinogens. The study highlights the importance of genomic stability genes in tumor development.
Researchers discovered that microRNA miR-133 targets the alternative splicing factor nPTB during early myogenesis, promoting muscle cell differentiation. This regulation affects a larger temporal program of muscle cell gene expression by altering mRNA splicing.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered that DNA damage response pathways mediate oncogene-induced senescence. The study suggests that targeting these pathways could lead to novel approaches for preventing cancer formation.
Researchers discovered that Rb is required for the maintenance of trophoblast stem cell population, which is critical for forming the placenta. Specific loss of Rb in trophoblast stem cells leads to overexpansion of trophoblast cells and aberrant placental formation.
Scientists at NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases have successfully imaged the influenza virus using electron tomography, revealing five distinct types of particles. This breakthrough provides insight into the virus's structure and potential targets for vaccine development.
A University of Iowa and University of Michigan Health System study found that adults living with children eat an additional 4.9 grams of fat daily, including 1.7 grams of saturated fat, compared to those without children. Healthy eating habits must focus on the entire household, not just individuals.
Researchers found that tissues taken from pig embryos between 42 days of gestation exhibit optimal growth potential and secrete factor VIII, a blood-clotting protein missing in hemophilic patients. This technique may one day help the body overcome genetic diseases.
A graduate student has discovered 25 new spiders and one previously unknown species in Brazos County, expanding the knowledge of local natural resources. The study highlights the importance of diverse spider populations in maintaining ecosystem balance.
Researchers discovered that imatinib mesylate inhibits the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins and prevents tissue fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis. The study provides promising results for a new treatment approach, but more extensive studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Research reveals that statins increase the risk of acute pancreatitis by 40%, but the occurrence is still relatively rare. The study found that patients on low and high doses developed pancreatitis, suggesting that starting at a low dose may not prevent the side effect.
A recent study reveals that the Brazilian rainforest heavily depends on dust from a specific valley in Africa. The Bodélé valley in northern Chad provides a significant portion of the vital minerals needed for the Amazon forest's existence, with 56% of the dust reaching the region originating from this source.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that medical teams can reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections by nearly 70 percent. Medical teams are critical for preventing these infections and promoting overall patient health and welfare.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have designed a more powerful weapon to fight bacteria by combining key properties of antimicrobial peptides and lipopeptides. The new synthetic peptides exhibit both positive charge and soap-like ability to dissolve oils, targeting a range of bacterial and fungal infections.
A new study reveals that Mal3p binds to the seam of microtubules, stabilising them and regulating cellular transport. This discovery sheds light on how similar processes work in humans, where Mal3p's human counterpart plays a role in various clinical conditions.
A new study by Michigan Medicine shows that 97% of children with pediatric renovascular hypertension respond positively to surgery, and 70% are cured completely. Surgery can help ease symptoms and improve quality of life for children with this rare but potentially fatal condition.
Researchers have developed a new breed of transgenic mice with autoimmune responses similar to human RA patients, revealing a significant sex bias. The study found that female mice developed arthritis at a higher rate than male mice, exhibiting all disease hallmarks at higher levels.
Scientists study Arctic sea floor composition and ocean characteristics to better understand climate change impact.
Researchers found that inactivating TNFa significantly reduced blood vessel impairment and cell death in aged vessels, suggesting a link between increased TNFa levels and cardiovascular disease. The study's findings could lead to the development of new treatments for age-related vascular diseases.
Researchers found kisspeptin levels decrease in male Siberian hamsters as winter approaches, indicating a decline in libido and reproduction. Kisspeptin is believed to play an integral role in coordinating seasonal reproduction in animals.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technique called desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) to rapidly detect and precisely identify bacteria. This method enables the analysis of living bacteria in under a minute, with high accuracy and specificity.
Scientists discovered that the neural processes in sea creatures are far more complex than previously thought, with thousands of genes active at any given time within a single brain cell. This study sheds light on how genes control the generation of specific brain circuitry and enables learning and memory.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine discovered a genetic mechanism that can both drive tumor growth and act as a tumor suppressor. This finding could lead to new cancer therapies by targeting aneuploidy, a characteristic of cancer cells with extra or missing chromosomes.
The nanotechnology sector is expected to employ over 2 million workers by 2015, but risk research funding is limited, leading to a need for targeted studies on worker exposures. A 'control banding' approach could provide a middle ground between inaction and banning all nanomaterials as hazardous.
Researchers at the University of California - San Francisco have discovered two novel treatments that may prevent brain damage caused by stroke, administered through the nose to reduce brain cell death. The studies found that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) reduced brain cell death by 70-86% and significantly reduced motor imp...
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University have identified a new mechanism for controlling gene expression in fruit flies, involving non-coding RNAs that regulate HOX genes. This discovery could lead to improved understanding of diseases like ALL and its connection to misregulated HOX genes.
Researchers at NIH have discovered a gene responsible for a previously unexplained, fatal form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta. The CRTAP gene plays a crucial role in collagen production and is found to be nonfunctional in patients with this rare disorder, leading to deformed brittle bones.
Research suggests that inflammatory genes may play a key role in salt-sensitive hypertension, which affects nearly one-third of Americans. The study investigates the connection between stress, inflammation, and sodium handling, with potential therapeutic implications for high blood pressure management.
A large-scale reverse genetic screen has identified complex haploinsufficient interactions in S. cerevisiae, revealing a significant number of genes that interact with actin.
Implementing common-sense measures like hand washing and timely catheter removal can significantly improve ICU patient safety. A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that profound improvements in infection rates can be made with minimum cost and effort.
A new study found that postmenopausal women who stop taking the osteoporosis drug alendronate after 5 years do not increase their risk of nonvertebral fractures, suggesting a lasting effect. The research also shows that BMD and bone marker levels remain at or above pretreatment levels 10 years after discontinuation.
The study found a significant decline in stroke incidence over the past 50 years, with lifetime risk decreasing from 19.5% to 14.5%. However, age-adjusted stroke severity remained unchanged, and mortality rates only decreased in men, highlighting the need for greater primary prevention efforts.
A study found that people enjoy video games because they find them intrinsically satisfying, with benefits including achievement, freedom, and connection to others. The research suggests that some video games can motivate further play and even enhance psychological wellness.
A large-scale study found that prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increases the risk of hip fractures by 44%. Long-term users of high-dose PPIs face a significantly higher risk, highlighting the need for further research into the underlying mechanism.
Researchers have identified genes and signaling pathways that enable zebrafish to regrow their tail fins. The study suggests that humans may also have untapped regenerative powers hidden in their genes, potentially leading to new treatments for human injuries.
Researchers have developed a new 3D scaffold made of protein nanofibers that can support the growth and differentiation of stem cells. The scaffold provides a more accurate representation of the natural context of cells in tissues and organs, and has the potential to replace traditional Petri dishes for growing cells.
Researchers have identified a new 'glucose sensor' that plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and fat synthesis, potentially leading to new treatments for obesity and diabetes. The discovery highlights the significance of the Liver X Receptors (LXRs) in regulating gene expression linked to cholesterol and fat metabolism.
A new tree-ring study links episodic fire outbreaks in the past five centuries with periods of warming sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic. The study suggests that warmer waters in the North Atlantic correspond with episodes of drought and subsequent fires in the West.
A study of Finnish working-aged adults found that pet ownership is associated with a higher risk of illness and lower physical activity levels. Dog owners did exhibit increased physical activity compared to non-dog owners, however this was not enough to offset the negative health effects of pet ownership.
A study published in Neurology found that a gene variation linked to longevity also protects brain function in individuals over 90. Researchers analyzed 158 centenarians and found they had twice the likelihood of good brain function compared to those without the variant.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified several genes whose expression is lost in lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancer. These findings could form the basis for a new early detection screen for certain cancers.
A new study proposes that HIV regulates latency by introducing a resistor into its main transcriptional activator, Tat. The model suggests that this simple switch acts as a 'feedback resistor' to prevent stray transcription and maintain dormancy.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that ocean temperature affects the distance marine larvae travel before maturing. This discovery has significant implications for managing commercially important or invasive species.
Researchers used structural biology techniques to probe the molecular mechanisms of the major drug efflux pump in E. coli, AcrB. The study confirms that AcrB is split into three subunits with differently shaped substrate transport channels.
Wound botulism is a potentially fatal illness caused by Clostridium botulinum spores contaminating wounds. A case study published in PLoS Medicine reports a man's full recovery after prompt diagnosis and treatment with ventilator support and botulinum antitoxin.
A study published in PLoS Medicine identified four clinical features that can predict the likelihood of death in severely malnourished children. These signs include slow heart rate, weak pulse volume, depressed level of consciousness, and delayed capillary refilling time. The researchers proposed using these indicators to identify high...
UT Southwestern researchers found that a molecular 'on/off switch' controls human immune defenses against viruses, including hepatitis C. The study reveals how the proteins RIG-I and LGP2 regulate immunity and highlights potential targets for novel therapeutics.
A novel compound, tazopsine, isolated from a Madagascan plant has shown activity against the liver stages of human and mouse malaria. Its semisynthetic derivative, NCP-tazopsine, completely protected mice from malaria parasites, suggesting a promising new candidate for anti-malarial prophylaxis.
Despite rapid brain growth, human brain genes have slowed down evolution since the split from chimpanzees. Complexity and gene-gene interactions place constraints on brain genes, hindering change. Genes in humans evolve more slowly than in other primates or mice.
A systematic review found that over half of health-care workers in low- and middle-income countries have latent TB. The disease rates among HCWs were substantially higher than those in the general population. Research is needed to determine if control measures that reduced transmission in high-income countries will work elsewhere.
A world health insurance scheme could address shared responsibility and progressive realization issues, providing a framework for rich states to assist poor states. The proposed model is based on the Global Fund's success in securing long-term funding for health interventions.
A study published in PLoS Medicine finds that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection, resulting in cost savings for healthcare systems. The analysis suggests that circumcision could be a cost-effective strategy for preventing HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan countries.
The campaign, which used humorous cartoon strips to encourage syphilis testing, was associated with an increase in syphilis tests and improved knowledge about the disease. Researchers found that awareness of the campaign led to greater knowledge about syphilis and increased recent testing for the disease.
Neural stem cells can be engineered to deliver anti-cancer drugs to metastatic cancer cells, potentially treating disseminated cancer. Researchers successfully eradicated metastases in a mouse model of neuroblastoma using this approach.
Researchers discovered that propranolol decreases erythrocyte G protein activity and inhibits blood-stage malarial parasite growth in red blood cells. The study suggests using propranolol in combination with existing antimalarials to reduce treatment doses, providing a novel antimalarial target and potential treatment strategy.
A gene variant linked to exceptional longevity also helps maintain clear thinking and memory in centenarians, according to a new study published in Neurology. Researchers found that individuals with the CETP VV gene were twice as likely to have good brain function compared to those without it.
A study published in Neurology found that methamphetamine use is associated with an increased risk of major neck artery tears and stroke. The research reviewed two cases of women who experienced sudden speech difficulty and weakness after using the drug, resulting in severe strokes from carotid artery dissection.
Researchers at USC have provided the first 3D view of a protein from an enzyme family that mutates genes to both help and hinder human health. The study sheds new light on the rare immune deficiency disease hyper-IgM immunodeficiency syndrome type 2 (HIGM-2).
A new study reveals that autophagy, a cellular process, enhances vaccine effectiveness by presenting antigens on MHC class II molecules to helper T cells. This process is more widespread than previously thought, affecting 50-80% of certain immune cells.
Scientists at UCSD and Brown University have developed InvChecker, a software program that accurately detects microinversions in genomes. By comparing DNA sequences of multiple species, the tool reveals shared mutations, providing valuable insights into evolutionary relationships and biological mechanisms.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed transparent, high-performance transistors using organic and inorganic materials. These transistors can be assembled inexpensively on glass and plastics, enabling new applications for displays with invisible wires.