UT Southwestern researchers found that activating hedgehog signaling pathway blocks fat formation in mammals, while inhibiting it stimulates fat cell creation. The study opens avenues for potential therapy in humans for obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis.
NIH-funded scientists developed a glycan array tool to detect changes in flu viruses that precede human infection. The technology can monitor the emergence of efficient flu strains from avian origin.
Increasing RN staff saves 6,700 lives annually, while greater use of RNs also reduces hospital stays and complications, such as urinary arrest and upper GI bleeding. The study concludes that increasing RN staffing is a cost-effective strategy for improving quality and containing costs in hospitals.
A new study published in Psychophysiology found that mental stress increases blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. The research used fMRI to correlate changes in brain activity with blood pressure during stress, providing new insights into the physiological effects of mental stress.
Bcl-3 is activated by DNA damage and required for p53 control of Hdm2 gene expression. Constitutive Bcl-3 expression subverts normal p53 regulation, leading to oncogenic potential.
A study by British Antarctic Survey found a six-year time lag between sea temperature changes and whale breeding success. Sea surface temperatures in the Southern Ocean have increased by 1°C over the past 50 years, posing a threat to southern right whales' recovery.
A new study by Imperial College London found that taking a taxi can expose individuals to high levels of ultrafine particles, even when sitting in the vehicle. The study used a visualisation system to measure exposure levels across different modes of transport, revealing that walking results in the lowest exposure.
A new mass spectrometer design will enable scientists to analyze intact protein complexes in seconds, avoiding sample loss and improving research efficiency. This breakthrough technology could revolutionize fields like proteomics, virology, and nanotechnology.
Two new studies using Hubble Ultra Deep Field data show a link between galaxy assembly and supermassive black hole growth. Tadpole galaxies, with bright knots and tails caused by mergers, suggest that black holes are enshrouded in dust, making them invisible during the merging process.
Researchers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center have identified a crucial link between the CXCR4 receptor and the invasion of glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain tumor. By inhibiting this receptor, experts hope to develop new treatments to prevent cancerous cells from spreading to other organs.
A team of researchers from UCLA has discovered a group of over 30 young stars near a supermassive black hole, contradicting the idea that such an environment should prevent star formation. The stars' orbits suggest they formed in a massive star cluster and migrated towards the black hole.
A study of over 6,600 children found that those raised in Steiner schools had lower rates of allergic symptoms and diagnoses compared to non-Steiner peers. Early antibiotic use and vaccinations were linked to increased allergy risks.
A team from MIT and Harvard found that a certain type of X-ray explosion common on neutron stars is never seen around their black hole cousins, indicating the presence of an event horizon. The absence of surface explosions called X-ray bursts suggests that gas released by nearby stars vanishes into a void.
Researchers at UC Berkeley will invite Internet users to help them search for interstellar dust grains captured by NASA's Stardust spacecraft. The 'virtual microscope' technology allows anyone with an internet connection to scan images of aerogel for tracks left by speeding dust, in hopes of discovering grains from distant stars.
A study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics has identified a genetic region on chromosome 10 strongly associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The researchers scanned over 1,400 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and found six genes within this region that may be involved in the development of the disease.
Researchers searched for dwarf galaxies in nearby galaxy cloud using Two Micron All Sky Survey and Very Large Telescope. However, no stars were detected, suggesting alternative explanations for the missing galaxies.
Researchers at Rice University developed a new magnetic method to overcome the 'dark exciton effect' in semiconducting nanotubes, which could enable more efficient optical signals and reduced power demands in next-generation microchips.
A Yale study reveals how toll-like receptors recognize viral infections without self-DNA recognition, highlighting potential for treating autoimmune disorders like SLE. The research also shows that TLR localization is crucial in maintaining the balance between viral and self nucleic acid recognition.
Astronomers have discovered that massive clouds of hot gas in elliptical galaxies are being stirred up by intermittent explosive activity from central super-massive black holes. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that these galaxies are quiet and stable, revealing a more dynamic and stormy reality.
The study found that non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-resistant viruses have an advantage over sensitive viruses even at low levels of adherence. NNRTI and protease inhibitors are potent antiretroviral drugs with demonstrated effectiveness when taken as directed.
Researchers analyzed data from the REACH Registry to determine the prevalence and treatment of atherosclerosis risk factors in 67,888 patients from 44 countries. The study found that high proportions of patients had hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes.
The study found that direct ophthalmology-related resource use increased with disease severity, resulting in higher costs. The average direct cost of treatment ranged from $623 to $2,511 per patient per year, with medication costs being the largest proportion of total direct cost.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new bone tissue engineering material using amorphous calcium phosphates, which they believe could lead to faster and higher quality bone formation. The team's work, in collaboration with the American Dental Association, is currently in press for several scientific journals.
A Hopkins investigation found that a newly introduced catheter valve was linked to a spike in bloodstream infections in the pediatric intensive care unit. The team identified mechanical issues with the device as the likely source of infection, highlighting the need for closer monitoring of technology's safety.
A longitudinal study found that breast cancer survivors experience persistent fatigue in a minority of cases, highlighting their resilience. Factors associated with fatigue include depressive symptoms, pain control problems, and treatment with radiation and chemotherapy.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that most snowmobiling injuries in children are caused by ejection, falls or collisions. Education on helmet use, reducing speeds and increasing state regulations can significantly reduce these types of injuries.
A study examining nearly 4 million cars found that newer models tend to be cleaner, while older vehicles emit more pollutants. The study also found that some car makes, such as Hyundai and Mitsubishi, are more prone to failing emissions tests due to their age and maintenance.
A recent study found that glaciers in Pacific North America underwent a regionally-extensive expansion during the first millennium AD, contradicting previous assumptions about past glacier activity. This discovery suggests that regional climate cycles have cycled from warmer to colder intervals several times over the last 10,000 years.
A study published in PNAS reveals that Amazonian soils support complex microbial communities, with diversity varying by soil pH and temperature. The research, led by Noah Fierer and Robert Jackson, uses DNA fingerprinting to compare microbial species diversity across North and South America.
The Specialty Excellence Awards recognize hospitals with the lowest risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates in eight specialty areas. HealthGrades analyzed star ratings for procedures and diagnoses to determine the top 10% of hospitals nationwide, highlighting exceptional patient outcomes across various specialties.
Researchers found that childhood sexual abuse, poor parent-child relationships, and low social support were common risk factors for depression in both men and women. However, the study revealed that childhood parental loss and low self-esteem were more potent variables in men than in women.
Research suggests that sexual orientation influences how people perceive individual faces, particularly in the brain's reward circuitry. The study found that heterosexual women and homosexual men responded more strongly to male faces, while heterosexual men and homosexual women responded more to female faces.
Researchers identified two forms of mild cognitive impairment that progress at the same rate to Alzheimer's disease. Using 3D brain imaging, they found distinct patterns of brain damage in people with MCI-A and MCI-MCD, suggesting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.
A 24-week open-label extension trial found memantine beneficial for patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, maintaining clinically relevant benefits. The study showed an adverse event profile similar to the double-blind phase, supporting the drug's safety for long-term use.
Tumor cells that border normal tissue exhibit distinct behavior, losing surface proteins and gaining the ability to dissolve matrix surrounding cells. This change signals activation of proteins allowing tumor cells to migrate, posing a risk for metastasis. The discovery highlights the importance of tumor environment in cancer progression.
College students who have positive role models such as clergy, Boy Scout leaders, friends, and college advisers exhibit less willingness to adopt questionable ethical behavior in negotiations. In contrast, those with negative role models like journalists and coaches tend to be more accepting of unethical tactics.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, administering bone marrow stem cells to patients with acute myocardial infarction resulted in a significant reduction of the infarct size and improved regional left ventricle function. The findings suggest potential benefits for targeted clinical and pre-clinical research.
Researchers characterize 161 unique RNA genes in introns of protein-coding genes, revealing new insights into developmental processes and regulatory mechanisms in nematodes.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment option for thyroid cancer that allows patients to continue their thyroid hormone replacement therapy while undergoing radioiodine treatment, reducing unpleasant side effects. This breakthrough could improve the overall quality of life for thyroid cancer patients during treatment.
Researchers at Imperial College London have made a significant breakthrough in protein crystal formation using a novel porous material called BioGlass. The team successfully induced the crystallization of the largest number of proteins ever achieved using a single nucleant, offering new hope for drug discovery.
A new plant-based system rapidly produces high levels of antigens that confer immunity against the plague. Guinea pigs vaccinated with the new antigen exhibited higher survival rates compared to traditional vaccines.
Researchers found that patients who consistently took aspirin had a 42% reduction in risk of death, while beta-blocker and lipid-lowering medicine users saw 37% and 48% reductions respectively. However, consistent use was low for these medications, with only 71% of aspirin users taking it regularly.
Researchers found that fruit fly species D. sechellia develops a specialized olfactory system to detect the morinda fruit, which is toxic to other species. This unique system involves increased numbers and sensitivity of specific olfactory hairs, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation in just a limited time span.
Researchers have discovered that polyphosphate accelerates blood clotting and delays its breakdown, leading to longer-lasting clots. The Center for Hemostasis Research at the University of Illinois will continue to study this discovery to develop effective treatments for uncontrollable bleeding.
Researchers discovered a single mutation in human TRIM5 gene that impairs its ability to defend against retroviruses, including HIV. This mutation occurs at high frequency in some ethnic groups and may have contributed to the evolution of impaired retroviral defense genes.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that aggressive surgery greatly improves survival rates for patients with the most severe disease spread. Radical surgery was shown to improve five-year survival rates by 44% compared to non-radical surgery, indicating it aids in survival rather than increasing risk.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method to track neuronal cell death in the hippocampus, a key memory center, which may lead to early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that 49% of Alzheimer's patients and 24% of mild cognitive impairment patients showed significant density decreases.
Researchers used GISS Model E-R to simulate a massive freshwater flood into the North Atlantic around 8,200 years ago and found it had moderate effects on global temperatures. The study suggests that similar events may have occurred in the past and can inform our understanding of future climate scenarios.
A new study verifies Namenda's effectiveness in slowing cognitive decline and improving daily activities in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. The medication maintained its benefits when continued treatment was added to the original 28-week study.
A recent study by University of Washington researcher Scott Reynolds found that people who focus on the ends (consequences) are less sensitive to ethical issues involving rule violations. In contrast, those who prioritize means (morality) recognize both harmful and non-harmful situations as ethical issues.
Astronomers have found a massive star cluster in the Milky Way, consisting of 14 supergiants with a total mass of at least 20,000 solar masses. This discovery may challenge existing massive star formation models and provides valuable insights into the evolution of these stars.
Researchers discovered that zebra finches store auditory memories of caregivers' songs in a specific part of the brain involved in hearing, which may underlie vocal learning in songbirds and provide clues to human speech acquisition. This finding supports independent evidence from Patricia Kuhl's work on infant language development.
A new study analyzing data from the Extended Groth Strip Survey found that galaxy weights play a crucial role in determining star formation rates. Researchers discovered that heavy galaxies form stars early and rapidly, while smaller galaxies form their stars over longer timescales.
A new way to stimulate the brain to release antioxidants has been discovered by researchers, potentially treating ischemic stroke, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. The NEPPs compound activates the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway to regulate antioxidant production, offering a promising approach for neuroprotection.
A study of 2,805 US workers found that 1.8% have consumed alcohol before work and 7.1% drink during the day, with men and younger workers more affected. Most workplace alcohol use is infrequent, but its impact on productivity and safety is significant.
A study of over 1,000 male veterans found that prostate cancer screening with PSA testing did not prolong survival. Researchers compared men who died from prostate cancer to those living with the disease and found no difference in screening rates.
A large epidemiological study in Vietnam suggests that avian flu transmission to humans is more common than previously recognized, with symptoms often mild and requiring close contact with infected poultry. The study found that direct contact with sick or dead poultry was the highest risk factor for developing flu-like illness.
A study found that 50% tomato juice drink completely prevented smoke-induced emphysema in mice, with lycopene cited as a key contributor. Researchers believe the model can be used to explore pathophysiology and therapeutic intervention for human diseases.
A comprehensive update of E. coli K-12 genes has been published, providing a centralized resource for the scientific community. The project, led by MBL scientists, aims to improve understanding of gene function and accelerate laboratory work.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that screening for prostate cancer does not necessarily prolong survival. The research, which included over 72,000 veterans, showed that even men who received screenings were not at lower risk of death from prostate cancer.