Mutations in the progranulin gene cause frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a group of brain disorders affecting personality and speech. The discovery reveals the mechanism that causes the disease and points to potential therapeutic approaches.
Researchers discovered that women who develop dementia experience a decline in weight up to 10 years before memory loss. The study found that the brains of these women underwent changes before the onset of symptoms, potentially linked to postmenopausal hormonal changes or other factors.
PLANKTON*NET offers a vast database of over 3000 images and 500 species descriptions, promoting global collaboration in biodiversity research. The project aims to network all data bases and integrate them into the World Data Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences.
A Rice University study has identified the complexin protein as a brake that shortens response time for signal transmission in nerve cells, enabling nearly instantaneous passing of information. This breakthrough sheds light on the mechanisms behind rapid neural signaling.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have identified proepithelin as a crucial protein in the spread of bladder cancer. The study found that proepithelin promotes migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells, suggesting it could be a potential target for new drugs.
Researchers have discovered a protein complex called Smc5/6 that plays a crucial role in repairing damaged DNA and untangling chromosomes before cell division. The complex is involved in two distinct pathways, one for repair and the other for untangling, and its function has significant implications for understanding genetic stability.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that moderate doses of tocotrienol, a natural form of vitamin E, reach concentrations in human blood plasma sufficient to protect against neurological damage following stroke. The supplement also exhibits non-antioxidant protection against neurodegeneration.
Researchers conclude that enzyme urokinase is the primary treatment against infection in the lung lining due to its cost-effectiveness. The study suggests a significant healthcare savings of $15 million if used as the first line of treatment for pediatric empyema.
Researchers study the impact of changing river hydrology, exotic pests, land development, and sociopolitical and economic factors on tupelo honey production. Beekeepers face difficulties in producing honey, with some colonies losing up to 50% due to infestations.
The German Southwest is home to numerous groundbreaking research projects, including the development of mini ECG devices, astronomical top research, and innovations in industrial manufacturing. These projects demonstrate the region's strong focus on R&D, with a unique blend of academia and industry collaboration.
The CERN Council has adopted a European strategy for particle physics, providing for European engagement and leadership. This marks an important step for the field, as the world's particle physicists embark on a new adventure with the Large Hadron Collider project.
The study found that three practice models were financially sustainable, with enhanced communication between medical and mental health providers improving quality of care. Pediatricians perceived themselves as more efficient in their practices after integration with mental health professionals.
An international team of scientists will use remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles to investigate active and inactive hydrothermal vents in the western Pacific Ocean. The expedition aims to understand the formation of mineral deposits containing copper, gold, and other valuable minerals.
Research conducted by Fundación BBVA and IDIBAPS found that intermittent treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine significantly reduces the incidence of clinical malaria in children under one year old, with a 22.2% decrease in cases reported. The study also assessed the safety and efficacy of this treatment in pregnant volunteers.
Majority of healthcare opinion leaders support the Medicare Part D program, but favor changes to reduce complexity and improve coverage for vulnerable populations. Opinion leaders recommend policy changes such as filling the donut hole and eliminating the asset test to benefit low-income beneficiaries.
Researchers found that Bmal1-deficient mice experience premature aging due to oxidative stress and genotoxic stress, leading to weight loss, organ shrinkage, and early death. The study suggests BMAL1 as a potential target for alleviating specific age-related pathologies.
Quitting smoking significantly improves lung function test scores in asthmatics, even after just one week of no cigarettes. The study found a notable increase in lung function improvements compared to high-dose anti-inflammatory treatment.
Two Yale Biomedical Engineers, Erin Lavik and Tarek Fahmy, have received Early Career Translational Research Awards for their innovative projects on glaucoma treatment and autoimmune disease diagnosis. The awards support their research collaborations with clinical investigators and provide two years of funding.
The Australia-US Free Trade Agreement could lead to a decline in Australia's blood safety standards if plasma fractionation is opened up to overseas tender. The move could also affect products in other countries, including New Zealand, which may be forced into 'piggy-backing' with new arrangements.
Researchers developed a gene screening method that can detect breast cancer with high accuracy, spotting 15 out of 21 samples positive for cancer. The test uses methylation-specific PCR to identify abnormal levels of chemical tags in DNA, which can be missed by pathologists' naked eye.
A study of 417 post-menopausal women found no harmful effects on cognitive abilities or health-related quality of life from a daily .014 milligram dose of estradiol via skin patch over two years. The results suggest that women can use this patch without harm for two years, benefiting their bones and alleviating hot flashes.
Physicists at NIST have developed a portable atomic clock based on a single mercury ion, outperforming the national standard clock by at least five times. The improved version of the mercury clock maintains accuracy for over 400 million years, opening up new possibilities for ultra-precise timekeeping and frequency standards.
A recent study by Judith Kleinfeld at the University of Alaska Fairbanks found that boys trail girls in literacy scores, with a larger percentage of boys scoring below basic in reading and writing tests. The study highlights the need to address the issue and boost boys' basic skills in reading and writing.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that a fatty acid binding protein called aP2 plays a crucial role in controlling inflammation in asthma. The research suggests that blocking aP2 function may be a novel approach for asthma treatment and other inflammatory lung diseases.
Researchers discovered older meerkats introduce dead and injured prey before live food as pups learn to hunt, using calls to gauge age and ability. The helpers monitor pup behavior and adjust prey presentation accordingly.
UNH researchers created the most comprehensive global land-use history description to assess impacts on carbon and climate models. The study reveals that 42-68% of the global land surface has undergone substantial changes due to historical land-use practices, affecting carbon sinks and ecosystems.
Research shows that children as young as 9-10 years old consider a character's race when deciding what is fair. The study found that fourth graders gave greater shares to white needy characters than black needy characters, while black productive characters received greater shares than white productive characters.
A study published in Child Development found that children's behavior from age 3 can predict their likelihood of using alcohol and illicit drugs in adolescence. Lower levels of behavioral control and slower increases in resiliency are associated with early drinking and drug use, while higher resiliency is linked to reduced risk.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that interleukin 21 boosts natural killer cell activity, attacking and destroying Herceptin-coated breast cancer cells. This could lead to increased patient response rates with the existing drug.
Researchers found that pancreatic tumors surround themselves with regulatory T cells to avoid detection by the immune system. Depleting these cells slowed tumor growth and increased survival time in mice. The study suggests a potential way to block tumor recruitment of regulatory T cells and revive cancer immunotherapy.
A recent study found that toddlers exposed to cigarette smoke in utero show higher levels of behavior problems from 12 through 24 months. The research indicates an association between prenatal exposure and specific types of disruptive behavior, particularly social aspects such as aggression and refusal to follow directions.
A new study published in The Lancet found that a fertility technique commonly used to help couples conceive is not effective for those with a 30% chance of natural pregnancy. Intrauterine insemination with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was no more successful than expectant management for couples with this high pregnancy rate.
People with colon cancer who engage in moderate exercise after therapy have a 50% higher survival rate than those who don't, according to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute research. Regular physical activity also reduces the risk of disease recurrence and mortality.
A study of nearly 600,000 deaths in men aged 35-69 years across four countries found that smoking-related diseases account for more than half of the disparity in death rates between rich and poor. The research highlights the importance of quitting smoking to narrow health inequalities.
A recent study found that individuals with low self-esteem perceive their partner's acceptance and love as contingent on their professional accomplishments. In contrast, those with high self-esteem see their partner's love as unconditional, regardless of daily successes or failures.
Doctors are practicing defensive medicine due to fear of legal liability, resulting in unnecessary treatment and wasted resources. The study suggests that limiting damages and increasing competition can improve medical practice and enhance patient access to care.
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that the California wild radish is a hybrid of cultivated radish and jointed charlock, having completely replaced its ancestors in less than 100 years. The researchers attribute this rapid spread to unique traits such as unswollen roots and early flowering.
Adolescents conform to aggressive and risky behaviors of highly popular peers when others observe, and privately internalize these attitudes even when alone. Social anxiety may exacerbate vulnerability to peer influence.
A Case Report warns travelers of exposure to the rare chikungunya virus in Indian Ocean Islands, which causes fever, joint pain, and rash. The authors advise preventive measures against mosquito bites and recommend avoiding travel for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and older adults.
Australian researchers identified a new protein in human airway epithelial cells that regulates allergic airway inflammation. A study suggests the protein aP2 plays an essential role in both type 2 diabetes and allergic airway diseases like asthma.
A study published in Neurology reports four cases of MECP2 gene mutations in infant males with progressive encephalopathy, challenging the assumption that these mutations are always lethal before birth. The researchers encourage neonatologists and pediatricians to consider MECP2 as a possible cause of severe neurological abnormalities.
Connexions has partnered with QOOP Inc. to produce high-quality textbooks through on-demand printing, making educational content more accessible and affordable. The partnership allows students to order customized course guides and textbooks in most cases for under $25.
Researchers have discovered a potent inhibitor of HPV infection in the compound carrageenan, found in sexual lubricants and baby food. The study suggests that carrageenan could be effective in preventing HPV-related genital disease, complementing existing vaccines and treatments.
Researchers identify DC-SIGN on B cells as crucial for HIV's takeover of T cells, revealing a new pathway for antiviral drug development. About 8% of B cells express the protein, which allows HIV to invade T cells while sparing B cells.
Researchers at UIC University found a link between maternal smoking during pregnancy and behavior problems in toddlers. The study, published in Child Development, found that prenatally exposed children were nearly 12 times more likely to show clinical levels of behavior problems.
The March of Dimes calls for passage of federal PREEMIE Bill to address prematurity, with severe health consequences and significant economic burden estimated at over $26.2 billion annually. The organization supports increased research investment and public awareness campaigns to prevent premature birth.
Researchers at the Advanced Light Source have confirmed the existence of spinons and holons in one-dimensional solids through direct experimental results. This discovery has significant implications for future developments in high-temperature superconductors, nanowires, and spintronics.
The study reveals that protein aP2 is present in human epithelial cells lining the airways and its expression is increased by interleukin-4 and -13. Mice lacking aP2 exhibit reduced airway inflammation, highlighting the importance of lipids in inflammation and metabolism.
The American Physiological Society awarded over $150,000 in fellowships to 20 middle and high school teachers for a summer of in-depth scientific research. The program aims to promote excellence in K-12 science education by giving teachers laboratory research experience and effective education strategies.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have identified a gene defect linked to hereditary spastic paraplegia, a rare nervous system disease with no cure. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs targeting the defective gene and provide insights into other neurodegenerative diseases.
A study of 2,712 students found that age affects homework effort, with younger students reporting more effort. Motivation and interest in math are key predictors of homework behavior, while the time spent on homework is nearly uncorrelated with effort.
A recent analysis of trial records reveals that punitive damages awards have not increased dramatically and are highly correlated to compensatory damages awarded by judges and juries.
Men from lower social classes face a two-fold increased risk of dying compared to those in higher strata, with smoking being the primary contributor. The study found that around half of the difference in male mortality rates across different socio-economic groups was attributed to smoking-related risks.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified a pathway that enables plant cells to silence unwanted genes using short interfering RNAs. The study reveals the roles of eight proteins in this process, which involves DNA methylation and epigenetic regulation.
A new UCLA study found that brain activity responds differently to opposition candidate's face depending on the viewer's party affiliation. The brain's cognitive networks regulate emotions in response to opposing candidates' faces, with increased negative feelings toward opponents and positive feelings toward favorites.
A sociologist argues that computerized physician order entry systems (CPOE) have many virtues, but also significant problems. CPOE is often seen as irrational impositions rather than helpful tools, and its supporters need to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed nanoscale resonators with the highest quality factor so far obtainable at room temperature. The devices can be used to detect and identify biological molecules and replace bulky quartz crystals in radio-frequency circuits.
Researchers discovered that PARL plays a key role in initiating apoptosis in mitochondria, leading to faster cell death and increased risk of diseases like Parkinson's. The study used 'knock-out' mice that lacked PARL, showing that the protein is essential for protecting cells from controlled cell death.
A Brown University research team has successfully used DNA to assemble and grow complex zinc oxide nanowires, which can create light and generate electricity. The new structures have potential applications in medical diagnostics, security sensors, fiber optical networks, and computer circuits.
Research found that daily reading by English-speaking mothers at 14 months predicted greater language comprehension and vocabulary in toddlers. Non-English speaking families also benefited from daily reading, with significant improvements in language and cognitive development.