This special issue of Comparative Education Review delves into the world of Islam and education, from medieval to contemporary times. The articles examine diverse forms of Islamic education, challenge misconceptions, and explore the intersection of Islamic and Western educational systems.
Researchers are developing a new type of memory chip using magnetism instead of electricity, promising faster performance and longer lifespan. This spintronic memory can be written to quickly and won't wear out, making it ideal for reducing power hunger in computers.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that the timing of food consumption can activate genes in a specific brain area, including the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. This discovery may help explain why dysfunctional eating patterns contribute to human obesity.
A recent survey of galaxies observed along the sightlines to quasars and gamma-ray bursts has revealed a striking inconsistency. Galaxies appear to be four times more common in the direction of gamma-ray bursts than in the direction of quasars, contradicting basic concepts of cosmology.
Two groups of researchers from Oregon State University and the USDA Forest Service exchange perspectives on post-wildfire salvage logging, forest regeneration, and fire risk. The OSU team questioned the methodology and conclusions of a previous study, while the response emphasizes the strength of the original design and findings.
Researchers have identified Piwi's partners in gene silencing pathways using small RNAs in Drosophila. This finding introduces a novel pathway of gene silencing, leveraging the association of Piwi with specific small RNAs called rasiRNAs.
A team of scientists led by Greg Asner discovered a strong link between selective logging and clear-cutting in the Brazilian Amazon. They found that areas within 15 miles of major roads are more likely to be cleared, with 32% of logged areas cleared within four years.
Researchers have identified a genetic defect causing some people to feel full despite eating, providing hope for new anti-obesity treatments. The study pinpointed the melanocortin-4 receptor's role in regulating hunger and found potential therapeutic compounds.
Dr. Ambati, a University of Kentucky researcher, has received the prestigious 2006 Lew R. Wasserman Award for his work on age-related macular degeneration. The award comes with a $55,000 grant to support his research and will be used to hire additional staff.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine identified the role of microRNAs in promoting blood vessel growth, a process called angiogenesis. The findings suggest that these microRNAs might be targeted to slow down cancer cell growth.
Recruitment incentives have grown due to competition among research sponsors, offering substantial finder's fees. This raises concerns about physician judgment, patient safety, and public trust in clinical research. The issues cannot be resolved by sanctioning individuals, but rather require broader institutional and regulatory reform.
Researchers have successfully boosted the vitamin C levels in blackcurrants by altering starch deposits, which could lead to more nutritious fruit with improved taste. The study, funded by £1.2M, aims to accelerate the breeding of super blackcurrant bushes with enhanced health benefits.
A national study of 304 physicians reveals primary care doctors often fail to diagnose and refer patients with chronic kidney disease, a condition affecting an estimated 10 million Americans. The study suggests that early detection and referral can slow the progression of kidney disease in high-risk patients.
Researchers at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified a second gene linked to Alagille syndrome, a genetic developmental disease affecting multiple organs. Mutations in the NOTCH2 gene were found to cause kidney abnormalities in patients and families.
A study of premature babies found that their brain development follows an abnormal pattern, with the surface area growing faster than the volume. The rate of growth is critical in predicting whether a child will experience delayed development. The more premature and male the baby, the slower the growth rate and higher the risk of delay.
A study compares kidney transplant outcomes in the US and Spain, finding similar one-year and five-year graft survival rates for heart-beating and non-heart-beating donors. Living kidney donors also experience higher blood pressure years after donation, highlighting implications for informed consent and follow-up care.
A recent study has found that thrombotic complications occur in 5.2% of children with leukaemia, with the highest risk during antileukaemic therapy induction phase. The researchers have identified several factors associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and explored the role of genetic determinants.
The European Young Investigator Awards scheme attracts talented researchers from worldwide. This year's awardees are expected to contribute significantly to building the next generation of leading European researchers.
A study of over 9,000 Danish residents found that a specific variation in the CHEK2 gene triples a woman's risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. Women with this mutation are three times as likely to develop breast cancer as those without it.
Dr. Gene E. Likens and Dr. Steward T.A. Pickett are honored by the Botanical Society of America for their groundbreaking research on acid rain, freshwater ecology, and urban ecology. Their work has informed national legislation and transformed the Institute of Ecosystem Studies into a global leader in ecological research.
A new study suggests that shorter TB treatment courses of just 2 months could reduce new cases and deaths by 13% and 19% respectively. This would free up resources to improve detection efforts and potentially lead to greater impact on TB control. Implementing such treatments earlier than planned in 2012 could yield even more benefits.
A new tooth whitening procedure developed by Dr. Kim L. Capehart has been found to significantly lighten stubborn tetracycline stains, saving patients over $10,000 in dental restorative fees. The treatment involves a combination of prescription fluoride toothpaste, UV light, and customized trays.
A new anti-obesity vaccine has shown promising results by slowing down weight gain and reducing body fat in animal models. The vaccine, targeting the hormone ghrelin, allowed rats to maintain normal eating habits while gaining less weight and accumulating less fat.
Drosha activity plays a fundamental regulatory step in microRNA processing. Blocking this enzyme can suppress miRNA production in cancer cells. This discovery may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for treating cancer by understanding the molecular events of carcinogenesis.
Researchers discovered a cancer triad involving Ras, c-myc, and p21 genes. Mice lacking the c-myc gene showed resistance to skin cancer, while mice with both missing genes regained sensitivity to mutated Ras. This study provides new insights into epithelial tumor development.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison suggest a double whammy of intensive trapping and predator fish manipulation may rid lakes of the invasive species, restoring ecosystem balance. The two-pronged attack has shown promising results in reducing rusty crayfish populations on Sparkling Lake.
Recent studies highlight the importance of effective personal protective equipment for healthcare workers in preventing respiratory infections. The articles discuss various personal protective systems and their effectiveness in reducing contamination and infection rates.
A study found that symptoms of nicotine dependence can take hold before regular smoking in some cases. This information is crucial for developing effective intervention programs for young smokers. Experts emphasize the need for stronger public health efforts to prevent youth from starting smoking in the first place.
Researchers discovered that different genes may be responsible for causing autism in boys than in girls, with varying degrees of severity. The study also found evidence for multiple genetic subtypes of autism, including male versus female and early versus late onset forms.
The Tri-Institutional Stem Cell Initiative has approved $6.7 million in funding for 17 stem cell research projects, exploring basic biology and therapeutic potential of human and model organism-derived stem cells. The grants support collaborative research across three institutions, including Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have developed a blood test to detect lung cancer in early stages, showing 90% accuracy in predicting non-small-cell lung cancer. The test identifies the body's immune response to tumors and could become the first blood test to predict cancer since the PSA test was introduced.
University of Houston and Lunar Planetary Institute researchers use data mining and machine learning to analyze Martian surface patterns. They develop new computational tools to characterize large portions of the Martian landscape, aiding understanding of past water activity on Mars.
A study found that patients with somatization syndrome incorrectly remember the likelihood of medical explanations for their symptoms. Doctors can reduce this bias by asking patients for summaries about what they've been told, benefiting both patients and the healthcare system.
A new study found that shorter tuberculosis therapies could produce dramatic benefits at the population level by reducing transmission and improving patient outcomes. The research suggests that a two-month regimen could double or triple current rates of decline in new cases and deaths, leading to total reductions of up to 40%.
Scientists discover 20,000+ kinds of rare bacteria in 1 liter of seawater using new DNA sequencing tools, challenging previous estimates of marine microbial diversity. The 'rare biosphere' plays an important role in ecological processes and evolutionary history.
Using minimally invasive robotic surgery, researchers successfully transplanted stem cells into damaged pig hearts, showing improved function and cell engraftment. The technique offers several benefits for patients with heart failure, including reduced risk and less time under anesthesia.
A Queen's University study compares two recommended protective clothing systems for health-care workers and found that one leaves workers prone to contamination at their forearms, wrists, hands, and necks. The more elaborate ensemble offers superior protection but is time-consuming to don and remove without errors.
Patients with highly resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa are twice as likely to die from hospital-acquired pneumonia. Inappropriate antibiotic treatments contribute to higher mortality rates.
A novel mechanism of dengue virus replication has been discovered, involving the circularization of its genome. This process allows the viral RNA polymerase to interact with a distant site on the genome, initiating replication. The study's findings suggest a widespread strategy for viral RNA replication.
Monazite crystals contain thorium and can be used to date rocks altered by high-temperature fluids. In a new study, researchers found that monazite dissolves readily in hydrothermal fluids, resetting its clock and allowing for accurate dating of affected areas.
The study investigates how environmental and evolutionary factors influence genome structure and diversity through the proliferation of genes into multi-gene families. The research reveals that ecological factors play a significant role in shaping organismal complexity.
Researchers discovered that malignant melanoma cells secrete Nodal, a protein essential for proper embryo development, inducing abnormal skull and backbone formation in zebrafish embryos. Blocking Nodal signaling reduced melanoma cell invasiveness and promoted reversion to normal skin cells.
Researchers found HIV survives treatment by hiding in gut mucosa, suppressing immune function. Early antiretroviral treatment and anti-inflammatory medications may improve treatment outcomes. Restoration of gut immune function is crucial to ridding the body of the virus.
Researchers at the University of Georgia found that cross-immunity between dengue strains explains the timing of epidemics, with an average three-year cycle and seasonal component. The study provides a new framework for creating models to predict dengue outbreaks in various regions.
A research team from Massachusetts General Hospital has discovered a potential drug target for Huntington's disease by identifying a novel inhibitor of Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP1). PARP1 inhibitors can protect HD-affected cells from damage and energy depletion in laboratory assays.
Researchers found that nurses experience debilitating low back pain, especially in orthopedic and ICU settings, with 65% of orthopedic nurses developing the condition. Providing access to mechanical lifting devices and redesigning hospital rooms could help prevent such injuries.
Researchers develop computer approach to precisely target breast tumors with electron and x-ray beams, reducing collateral skin damage. The technique helps send accurately targeted doses for 78 patients, providing benefits for shallow tumor treatments in the breast, chest wall, and head-and-neck region.
Scientists have identified a regulator of genes that controls artery smooth muscle cell growth, which may hold the key to preventing vessels from re-closing after angioplasty. By studying genetically susceptible pigeons, researchers found a potential target for treating restenosis.
Researchers have created a new genetic model for Parkinson's disease using mice with a deleted TFAM gene, which mimics the human condition. The study shows that dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain stem degenerate slowly, similar to humans with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a process to turn manure and corn stalks into a bio-oil that can be used as boiler fuel and potentially transportation fuel. Preliminary tests show promising results, with every kilogram of dried mixture producing .2 to .5 kilograms of bio-oil.
Aerial mosquito spray increased the toxicity of pyrethroids in creeks by doubling their effects. Researchers found that a chemical synergist, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), made sediments more toxic to certain aquatic species.
Researchers at Penn's new Center for Spirituality and the Mind are examining the effectiveness of meditation on early cognitive impairment. They will combine meditation with brain imaging to see if it improves cognitive function and is associated with actual change in the brain's activity levels.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory have developed a state-of-the-art imaging system that allows them to directly visualize molecular activity within individual neurons in the brain of live animals. This breakthrough enables the observation of changes in neuronal activity in response to environmental stimuli,...
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine – Northwest propose that a family of proteins producing PGLYRP can be used to develop medications for HIV/AIDS patients. These proteins appear to be the front line in defending the body from infection, mounting a defense long before the body's main immune system responds.
Researchers have developed a new approach to treating gliomas, deadly brain tumors, by delivering radioactive iodine using a man-made version of scorpion venom as a carrier. The treatment targets glioma cells without affecting neighboring tissue or body organs and has shown promise in Phase I clinical trials.
Scientists believe that high runoff from hurricanes in 2004 contributed to the development of extensive and long-lasting red tides off west-central Florida. Groundwater discharge is thought to provide the necessary nutrients for these blooms, explaining their persistence and frequent occurrence in the region.
Researchers from Hospital Clínic de Barcelona found that a 8-year Ivermectin treatment reduced onchocerciasis prevalence by 38.4%, while incidence of disease decreased by 2.6 times in children aged 0-4. The study, financed by the Spanish Agency and WHO, marks a significant step forward in combating river blindness.
Recent studies examine voting gaps in America, finding significant differences in support for George W. Bush based on race, ethnicity, religion, class, region, gender, age, and education. The research also explores the impact of class divisions, the religion gap, and the urban-rural divide.
A recent study by UK researcher Cerel explores the connection between parental death and psychiatric problems in children. The results indicate that while bereavement has a negative impact, it is less severe than clinical depression.
Researchers will investigate the health effects of arsenic exposure in groundwater, particularly in New England and South Asia, with a focus on children's health. The grant renewal aims to mitigate public health problems associated with arsenic contamination.