New research at Washington University School of Medicine finds that the relative abundance of two common gut bacteria groups is altered in obese humans and mice. The findings suggest that these microbes may play a role in how much energy is extracted from the diet and stored as fat.
Scientists have identified a new type of massive stellar death, where stars may collapse into black holes without exploding in supernova explosions. This discovery was made using data from two long-duration Gamma-ray bursts detected by NASA's Swift satellite.
Astronomers observe two long gamma-ray bursts that defy the consensus of supernova association, suggesting multiple ways to produce black holes and gamma-rays. The discoveries indicate a rich diversity in cosmic events and challenge the prevailing model of massive stellar death.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique that detects abnormal brain protein deposits associated with Alzheimer's disease in mild cognitive impairment. The study found that the method was more effective in differentiating patients with Alzheimer's disease from normal subjects, and tracked disease progression over a two-year period.
A study in PLOS ONE finds that genetically variable wolves are more likely to be recruited into the breeding population, reducing the negative effects of inbreeding. This means the accumulation of inbreeding's negative effects will occur much slower than previously believed.
Researchers discovered a single Toxoplasma protein, ROP16, that travels to the host cell nucleus and blocks normal responses to invasion. This finding has wide-ranging implications for diseases caused by other parasites, including malaria.
Scientists discovered that stomata open independently of neighboring stoma behavior, optimizing water loss and CO2 acquisition. The laser study found that phototropin1 release triggers stomatal opening, influenced by light-induced changes in the cell interior.
Researchers found that prolonged exposure to one odorant improves differentiation among related odors and reveals increased response in brain areas. The study suggests that humans naturally learn to identify thousands of different smells through experience-dependent neural plasticity.
George Smoot has been awarded the Daniel Chalonge Medal for his 15-year contribution to the International School of Astrophysics. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions to cosmology and astrophysics, as well as his support for the school's summer and fall programs.
A team of scientists has successfully observed rare particles of light emitted during the radioactive decay of a neutron, confirming theoretical predictions. The experiment, conducted at NIST's Center for Neutron Research, used novel instruments and techniques to minimize uncertainties and detect elusive photons.
Recent studies published in major scientific journals reveal the molecular mechanisms behind Toxoplasma gondii's severity and its link to AIDS patients' dementia. The research provides a model for studying toxoplasmosis and related diseases, with potential applications for developing more effective treatments.
Researchers have conducted virtual reprises of Stanley Milgram's classic obedience experiment, demonstrating that participants react as though the situation is real. The study shows that immersive virtual environments can provide an alternative way of pursuing laboratory-based experimental research.
A new protein called sperm flagellar energy carrier (SFEC) has been discovered in the sperm tail, which may play a role in disabling sperm swimming. The discovery is significant because SFEC is linked to glycolysis, a process that produces energy in the sperm's tail.
Researchers at City of Hope and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed a modified neural stem cell therapy that activates chemotherapeutic drugs primarily at tumor sites, sparing normal tissue. The approach showed promise in treating solid tumors, including neuroblastoma, with improved survival rates.
Researchers successfully regenerated tooth root and supporting periodontal ligaments using stem cells harvested from wisdom teeth. The technique shows promise for restoring tooth function in human patients.
The study suggests that the oldest-known animal eggs and embryos were actually giant bacteria, complicating our understanding of microfossils. The researchers found that these ancient organisms could have preserved easily due to their ability to deposit phosphorite.
A new ergonomic backpack has been invented by using rubber bands to reduce the effects of heavy loads on shoulders and joints. The design allows users to carry 12 more pounds in the suspended backpack than in a traditional backpack.
A new study by researchers at the University of Bristol found that genetic vulnerability, not organophosphate exposure, may be a factor in Gulf War veterans' and farmers' depression. The study suggests that everyday toxins and activities, rather than specific chemical hazards, are likely to contribute to depressive symptoms.
Rotating treatment through different types of medications can help avoid worsening symptoms in patients with restless leg syndrome, say experts. The team recommends switching treatments when symptoms appear or before augmentation occurs.
Researchers have successfully regenerated tooth root and periodontal ligaments using stem cells harvested from wisdom teeth. The technique shows promise for clinical application in human patients, offering an alternative to dental implants for those who don't have sufficient jaw bone.
Research reveals IBD increases risk of premature birth and low birthweight by almost twice, while also boosting caesarean section rates and congenital defects
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified a key regulatory protein, Klf2, that translates blood flow into gene expression. Klf2 is activated by rapid, pulsed blood flow and plays a crucial role in maintaining vessel tone and regulating smooth muscle contraction.
The Corot space mission is scheduled to launch on December 27, 2006, and will detect planets orbiting around other stars. The mission will also probe the secrets of stellar interiors, potentially discovering rocky worlds similar to Earth.
A Mayo Clinic researcher has identified a target site in malaria-carrying mosquitoes that could be used to develop pesticides toxic to the Anopheles gambiae mosquito and other species. This finding could lead to a safer and more effective method to control mosquito-borne diseases like malaria.
A Mayo Clinic researcher has identified a target site in malaria-carrying mosquitoes that could be used to develop toxic pesticides. The residues are found in three mosquito species and the German cockroach, but not in mammals.
Researchers found that tamoxifen resistance can be fully restored by using a compound called disulfide benzamide, or DIBA, which restores the estrogen receptor to its vulnerable state again. The study, conducted in cell cultures and mice, offers a promising approach for overcoming breast cancer drug resistance.
A Northwestern University study uses EEG measures to show how attention alters brain activity, revealing that paying attention makes brain responses to stimuli more coherent. This synchronization enables a stimulus to stand out and guides behavior.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are developing robotic assistants to enhance surgeons' skills, including a snakelike robot for making incisions and tying sutures with greater dexterity, and a steady-hand system to curb tremors during microsurgery. These tools aim to improve surgical precision and effectiveness.
A study published in PLoS ONE suggests that a mere 5% increase in cognitive reserve can prevent one-third of Alzheimer's cases. The research supports the notion that public health policies focused on education are likely the best strategy for preventing Alzheimer's disease.
Recent gamma-ray bursts suggest a new kind of cosmic explosion involving newly formed black holes swallowing parent star matter. Astronomers observe no supernovae associated with these events, which could be due to massive stars dying without producing explosions.
A study published by Stanford University researchers found that the brain's neural activity can predict movement variability, contradicting the long-held assumption that consistency lies in muscle mechanics. The research suggests that flexibility and improvisation are key features of human movement.
A study found associations between two genes involved in choline metabolism and the risk of spina bifida. The link was discovered independently of maternal dietary choline intake during pregnancy.
Researchers have developed pharmaceuticals that prevent E. coli from assembling pili, rendering it non-pathogenic and susceptible to elimination. This approach aims to slow the growth of antibiotic-resistant infections and minimize the development of resistance.
A new backpack design reduces force on the wearer's body by 86%, allowing for more comfortable running with heavy loads. The suspended-load ergonomic backpack is designed to benefit soldiers, emergency workers, and schoolchildren who often carry heavy items.
Researchers found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis can hide in adipose cells, protecting it from the immune system and antibiotics, and may remain dormant for years. This discovery sheds light on possible strategies for fighting tuberculosis, highlighting the need for new targeted therapeutic weapons.
A study led by UCL demonstrated that participants reacted as though the situation was real when administering 'electric shocks' to a virtual human. The results show that virtual environments can provide an alternative way of pursuing laboratory-based experimental research that examines extreme social situations.
Research reveals tidal motion affects West Antarctic Ice Sheet's largest ice stream, the Rutford Ice Stream, causing it to vary its speed by up to 20% every two weeks. This phenomenon, related to ocean tides and gravitational effects of the sun and moon, has important implications for predicting sea level rise.
Researchers demonstrate that a combination of epigenetic drugs can reactivate the expression of over 1,000 genes in primary tumours of breast cancer patients. These reactivated genes play crucial roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and immune recognition, suggesting increased anti-tumour effects.
Researchers used NASA earth observations to predict wildfires in southern California, identifying key factors such as plant moisture and fuel condition. The study found that the instruments can detect conditions favorable for wildfires, improving wildfire prediction and monitoring capabilities.
Scientists have discovered a 'hybrid gamma-ray burst,' which exhibits properties of both long and short bursts. The burst's characteristics suggest that it may be signaling the birth of a new black hole, but its exact origin remains unclear.
A study published in Nature found that mice lacking a critical gene for repairing damaged DNA grow old rapidly and exhibit physical and genetic changes similar to those of normal-aged mice. The researchers discovered a new type of human progeria, a rare inherited disease characterized by accelerated aging.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered that some mammals, such as star-nosed moles and water shrews, can detect objects underwater using their sense of smell. By blowing bubbles into the water, these animals can create a rapid exchange of air molecules that allows them to sniff out objects with high accuracy.
A new study published in PLoS ONE found that men arrested for buying sex from prostitutes are less likely to continue their prostitution activity. The research suggests that simply arresting and prosecuting clients may be enough of a deterrent, making additional interventions unnecessary.
A small study found that fish oil supplements during pregnancy improve toddlers' hand-eye coordination, with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids linked to better performance. The findings suggest that relatively high doses of omega-3 rich fish oil supplements have no adverse effects on neurodevelopment or growth.
Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) have specific deficits in memory for numbers and sequences, contributing to common math difficulties. The study provides a 'neurobehavioural profile' to refine assessments and ensure effective treatment.
Researchers found that motor areas of the brain are activated in a fashion similar to actual movement when watching someone else perform a task with the intention of later replicating it. This discovery may prove important in improving rehabilitation for individuals suffering from brain or bodily injury.
Research casts doubt on organophosphate poisoning as cause of Gulf War Syndrome depression, suggesting genetic factors are more likely to cause symptoms. Studies show that individuals with specific gene variants, such as the PON1 Q192R gene, are more prone to depression.
Scientists found that persons with high multimarker scores had a risk of death four times as great and a risk of major cardiovascular events almost two times as great as those with low scores. The study used 3209 participants for 10 years, measuring 10 novel biomarkers in addition to established risk factors.
High doses of lithium-like drugs inhibit GSK-3 beta and impair neuronal growth in mouse neurons, contradicting previous findings that suggest these drugs improve neuronal function. Researchers warn that using too much of these inhibitors can be detrimental to Alzheimer's treatment.
Researchers found that new neurons generated in response to epilepsy have reduced excitability and increased inhibitory connectivity, potentially alleviating the disorder. These findings suggest that therapies aimed at inducing neurogenesis could prove effective.
Researchers at U of MN identified novel genes critical for organ development in humans, with implications for understanding blood vessel formation, eye and ear development, and lipid metabolism. Zebrafish serve as a model organism to study gene function and organ development.
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers found specific gene expression changes in Daphnia magna water fleas in response to copper, cadmium, and zinc contamination. These changes suggest a possible role for toxicogenomics in assessing environmental toxicity.
A new imaging molecule, FDDNP, can detect and map plaques and tangles in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease, enabling earlier diagnosis and potentially preventing progression. The compound binds to abnormal deposits on PET scans, correlating well with clinical diagnoses measured by memory tests.
A study suggests that even commonly used biomarkers are limited in their ability to predict cardiovascular risk. BNP and urinary albumin content were found to be the most useful in predicting future events, but only slightly improved predictions based on conventional risk factors.
PLoS ONE is launched by the Public Library of Science, a new open-access journal that employs pre- and post-publication peer review. The first issue features 100 peer-reviewed articles covering various topics, including evolution, rabies control, mimicry, and Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Kevin Groark's paper explores the cultural significance of dreaming in the Tzotzil Maya community, contrasting with Western perspectives on dream responsibility.