A study of UK armed forces personnel deployed to the 2003 Iraq War found no specific health effects on regular service members. However, reserve personnel reported higher rates of physical and mental illness due to deployment-related stresses.
A new study suggests that body mass index (BMI) standards for younger adults may not be appropriate for people in their 80s and 90s. The analysis found that those who were overweight had the lowest mortality rates, while being underweight led to higher mortality rates.
Scientists discover a new compound, PI-103, that effectively inhibits the spread of brain cancer by targeting two separate steps in the signaling pathway. This dual blockade proves to be safe and effective in slowing down cancer cell proliferation in mice with human glioma cells.
A recent study found that coral reefs in the Seychelles have suffered severe damage from global warming, leading to a 90% decline in coral cover and a significant loss of biodiversity. The damaged reefs are unable to reseed and recover, resulting in profound impacts on other organisms in the ecosystem.
The Rwenzori Mountains' glaciers are receding at a rate of tens of meters per year, halving their area between 1987 and 2003. The researchers expect the remaining ice to disappear within twenty years due to increased air temperature without significant changes in precipitation.
Researchers found that caterpillars respond to variations in plant volatile production to reduce encounters with parasitic wasps. The study demonstrates that plant volatiles, rather than light, control the daily behavior of caterpillars.
Researchers have found metal fullerene clusters, also known as hollow golden cages, composed of gold atoms. These structures are stable at room temperature and can cage smaller atoms, opening up new possibilities for influencing physical and chemical properties.
Researchers have discovered that a specific neural stem cell gene, SOX2, is crucial for the normal development of the eye. The study found that disruption of this gene leads to abnormalities in eye formation and microphtalmia, a condition affecting 10% of human cases. The severity of the condition depends on the degree of SOX2 disruption.
Researchers have identified the specific step in the neurogenesis pathway that Prozac (fluoxetine) stimulates, increasing the number of neurons in the brain. The study's findings lay the foundation for future cell replacement therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers discovered a novel compound, PI-103, that cooperatively inhibits both p110α subunit of PI3 kinase and downstream molecule mTOR. This dual inhibition shows high effectiveness against human gliomas in mice without toxicity.
Researchers have developed a completely penetrant mouse model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, recapitulating the human disease at both pathological and molecular levels. The model enables testing of combinations of targeted therapies and prevention approaches for HNSCC.
A groundbreaking study by OHSU researcher has created the world's first animal model that mimics human head and neck cancer at both pathological and molecular levels. This model enables researchers to screen for novel therapeutic approaches, potentially leading to improved treatment options for this often deadly disease.
A national survey of junior tennis coaches found that over half of parents have a positive influence on their children's development, but more than a third are harmful. Coaches identified excessive focus on winning, unrealistic expectations, and criticising as common problems, scoring them highly in terms of seriousness.
Cardiovascular disease costs UK economy £29 billion a year, with healthcare expenses representing 60% of the total. The largest component was hospital inpatient care, which accounted for nearly two thirds of NHS expenditure on cardiovascular diseases.
Women who balance work and family responsibilities are more likely to report good health, with those who have been home-makers for short periods showing the lowest rates of obesity. Analysis suggests that adopting multiple roles may be a contributing factor to overall well-being rather than a cause of poor health.
Researchers have discovered that frog proteins can rescue mouse embryonic stem cells from dividing without limit, highlighting an ancient mechanism that may hold the key to understanding human disease. The study also shows that mammals have adopted this function from amphibians, suggesting a long history of stem cell regulation.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have isolated a previously unknown molecule called oncomodulin that stimulates axon regeneration in the optic nerve. The discovery offers new possibilities for treating conditions such as glaucoma, stroke, and spinal cord injury.
Researchers discover non-coding RNA transcript Kcnq1ot1 is essential for paternal-specific gene silencing in mice. The study suggests that mammals have co-opted multiple transcriptional regulatory mechanisms to control imprinted genes, supporting the idea that imprinting evolved gradually over time.
Researchers at Saint Louis University School of Medicine caution against inducing labor due to the risk of chorioamnionitis, a severe infection that can lead to sepsis and future infertility. Women considering induced labor are advised to weigh the risks and consider letting nature take its course.
Precision biochemistry techniques track DNA damage in fish, identifying low-level lesions that correlate with pollution. These biomarkers can provide a direct measure of contaminant impact and assess pollution remediation efforts.
Researchers found that a loose connection between hormone and GPCR allows for stronger signal activation, potentially leading to more effective drug therapies. The study used thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) as a model and suggests that a similar approach could be applied to other hormone-GPCR reactions.
Penn State researcher Karen Bettez Halnon finds middle class embracing muscles, motorcycles, and tattoos as new form of gentrification. This symbolic takeover relegates lower classes to the periphery, with extreme measures taken by disaffected groups to defend against encroachment.
Researchers are testing innovative techniques to detect vulnerable coronary plaques, which cause most heart attacks. Non-invasive methods like multislice computed tomography show promise in generating colorful pictures of the coronary arteries.
A survey of biomedical scientists found that access to online journal content increased productivity by 90% and saved time in locating research articles. The study also identified key factors hindering productivity, including funding culture and bureaucracy.
Research found that exercising mice took longer to develop skin tumors and had fewer tumors than sedentary mice exposed to ultraviolet B light. Exercise was also linked to lower body fat, which decreased the risk of skin cancer.
The signal recognition particle (SRP) complex plays a crucial role in sorting secretory and membrane proteins, determining their final destination within or outside the cell. By understanding its structure, researchers can uncover key events during protein sorting, essential for expressing these proteins correctly.
Scientists design molecular machines that can switch between functional units and demonstrate reversible switching behavior when exposed to acid and base. The study showcases the potential for organizing molecular machines on surfaces, paving the way for future development of molecular computers.
A Joslin-led study has discovered that insulin signals to the liver differently for glucose and lipid metabolism, opening the door to developing targeted therapies. The research reveals new insights into phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, which regulates insulin's action in the liver.
EMRs enable better patient care, data analysis, and research studies, but challenges remain in implementation and integration. Despite limitations, EMRs offer advantages such as streamlined reports, medication reminders, and quality tracking.
Researchers found that examiners can replicate tension-headache symptoms in 82% of subjects by testing the temporalis muscle, which is involved in TMJD. This study aims to establish valid and reliable diagnostic criteria for TMJD, which could improve treatment outcomes for those suffering from the disorder.
Grade 11 student James McLeod won $5,000 for his study on how the HIV/AIDS virus attacks specific cells in the body's immune system. He found that a protein molecule called CD127 prevents the delivery of a survival signal to T-cells, leading to their rapid death and compromised immune function.
Researchers discovered that molecular motors use one-dimensional diffusion to rapidly target microtubule ends. This strategy allows for efficient and accurate localization of microtubule ends, crucial for chromosome distribution during cell division.
A new theory suggests that life emerged in environments with unique biochemistry, such as oxygen-free sediment. The microbe Methanosarcina acetivorans produces both methane and acetate, shedding light on early metabolism and the evolution of microbial production of methane.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research has invested $900,000 over five years to fund the first Canadian Chair in Hypertension Prevention and Control. Dr. Norm Campbell will lead a multi-faceted approach to primary prevention and treatment of hypertension.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is testing wearable sensor systems at the US Army Aberdeen Test Center. The sensors aim to capture data such as vehicle sound, images, speech, and specific types of weapon fire, which will be compared to soldiers' after-action reports.
A study of 195 patients found that obese pregnant women who underwent induced labor took longer to deliver their babies and required more medication. Doctors should inform obese women about the risks of prolonged labor and consider waiting for spontaneous labor onset instead.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will develop a measurement assessment material for proteins, mimicking human plasma proteome complexity. This collaboration aims to evaluate existing proteomic technologies, develop new ones, and establish reliable measurement tools for cancer research.
Researchers found that a patient's prepregnancy weight is the strongest predictor of birth weight in the next pregnancy. Dr. Robert Blaskiewicz advises overweight moms to lose weight after their first pregnancy and avoid gaining weight between pregnancies.
Studies found that exercise reduced tumour development and improved survival in mice exposed to ultraviolet B light. Exercise also decreased body fat and enhanced programmed cell death in cancer cells. The studies suggest that voluntary exercise may protect against skin and bowel cancers, but more research is needed to confirm this.
A team from NIST and GMU developed a simple method to bond polymeric microfluidic devices using capillary action. By injecting solvent through tiny channels, the plates are welded together quickly and efficiently.
A new point-of-care assay for C trachomatis has shown higher specificity and sensitivity than the standard TF technique, allowing for more targeted treatment of trachoma. The study's findings suggest a major re-think in how trachoma control is conducted in Africa.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) fired Editor-in-Chief John Hoey and senior deputy editor Anne Marie Todkill due to irreconcilable differences. However, Peter Singer and Gordon Guyatt argue that the burden of proof should be on medical journal publishers to show that termination was not related to editorial decisions. Th...
Research found lack of training and employment led to violent uprising, while reintegration projects struggled to find work for newly-trained ex-soldiers. Millions spent on vocational training, but many ended up working for subsistence wages in mines.
Researchers at UI Hospitals and Clinics discovered a fundamental problem in predicting case durations for diagnostic scans under anesthesia. By analyzing experts' estimates, they implemented a solution that significantly improved accuracy and reduced pre-anesthesia fasting times for young patients.
A new treatment using fosfomycin has shown promise in treating Listeria infections, which cause severe food-borne diseases. The drug was ineffective in laboratory tests but proved effective in the body, highlighting the need to revise testing methods.
A recent study by Penn State researchers suggests that a massive whole-genome duplication event in early flowering plants could explain their rapid evolution. The team detected a concentration of duplicated genes, which is evidence of a whole-genome duplication event.
A team of Princeton University researchers tracked 14 green darner dragonflies for up to 10 days and found their flight patterns showed similarities to bird migration patterns. The study suggests that the rules for animal migration may have been established in Earth's history, with implications for agriculture and ecological management.
Researchers found that West African car traders invested heavily in the market despite falling profits and increasing bankruptcies. They formed a culture of gambling-like decisions due to unreliable market information and brief social relationships.
Researchers identified VAMP8 and HNRPUL1 gene variants associated with increased risk of early-onset myocardial infarction. The study analyzed over 2,000 patients and found that carriers of these variants had a comparable risk to conventional risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure.
A recent study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers suggests that approximately 61.8% of sexual assault subjects have drugs in their system, with 4.2% reporting being drugged without knowledge. The study also found that voluntary drug use impairs decision-making, increasing the risk of sexual assault.
A study of over 16,000 patients found that early statin therapy reduces the risk of death by 22% and cardiovascular death by 25%. The treatment also shows promise in preventing another episode of unstable angina and reducing the need for coronary bypass surgery.
Researchers discovered ring-like formations in drying DNA droplets that can impact hybridization studies. These formations, created by stresses propagating from the rim inward through a liquid crystal, should be accounted for in array design.
A new study by Fox Chase Cancer Center reveals specific defects in RNA translation underlie a progressive disease called dyskeratosis congenita, linked to anemia, immune deficiency, cancer, and premature aging. The research highlights the importance of proteomic analysis and potential therapeutic targets for developing treatments.
An international team of scientists has discovered a new primate genus, Rungwecebus kipunji, through genetic analysis and collaboration. The discovery highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research and undergraduate involvement in biodiversity studies.
A new desensitization protocol allows eight patients with clopidogrel hypersensitivity to safely take the medication, reducing risk of blood clots and heart attacks. The study's findings suggest that desensitization can be a viable option for managing allergy symptoms in patients treated with clopidogrel.
Researchers found that the steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) negatively regulates CYP24 expression and subsequent vitamin D breakdown, but can also enhance vitamin D hydroxylation and breakdown by inducing CYP3A4. Additionally, IL-15 administration restored CD4+ T cell production in an animal model of HIV infection, while lithium w...
In Lake Victoria cichlid fish, females choose brightly coloured males for good reasons: fewer parasites and better health. The colour preference leads to speciation as only the brightest red and blue fish survive, eventually forming two separate species.
Scientists describe new genus of African monkey, Rungwecebus kipunji, after analyzing physical characteristics and molecular samples. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of monkeys in Africa and Eurasia.
Researchers have created a heat-stable antibody that can detect caffeine in various drinks, including coffee, tea, and cola. The test has shown accuracy comparable to sophisticated equipment, with potential applications for consumers who want to avoid caffeine due to health or personal reasons.
The STARS Alliance aims to broaden the appeal of computer science and information technology by recruiting a diverse group of students. The program will establish a web site, Student Leadership Corps, and a targeted marketing campaign to shatter stereotypes and promote diversity in computing careers.