Researchers at PNNL discovered that entombed enzymes in silica nanochambers can regain their activity, mimicking cellular crowding. The team developed a method to functionalize the pores with compounds tailored to specific enzymes, allowing for potent catalysis and efficient production of desired products.
A new study using fMRI found that strong brands elicit stronger activity in the brain, activating areas involved in positive emotional processing and self-identification. Weak brands, on the other hand, showed higher levels of activation in working memory and negative emotional response.
The study found that 43% of Internet users feel strongly about their virtual communities compared to their real-world ones. Online communities lead to offline actions and social activism, with a significant majority logging in daily.
A new study found that adolescents playing violent video games exhibited increased emotional arousal and decreased executive function compared to those playing nonviolent games. The researchers used fMRI scans to measure brain activity during tasks requiring concentration and emotional processing.
Researchers at the University of Houston have created a low-density, open-caged structure of germanium with unusual thermoelectric and optoelectronic properties. The new material has the potential to emit light and exhibit significant technological potential.
Researchers at University of Michigan confirm fibromyalgia as a real condition characterized by lower pain threshold and associated with genetic factors. Studies using neuroimaging techniques reveal abnormalities in central brain structures and increased neural activity in patients.
Two young Australian researchers, Dr Denise Doolan and Dr Stephen Turner, have been awarded $1 million each to pursue biomedical research. Their funding will support the development of vaccines against diseases such as HIV/AIDS, pandemic influenza, and malaria.
A recent study using MRI found that older marathon runners have a higher left ventricular mass, indicating cardiovascular disease despite no symptoms or known history of heart issues. This suggests that pre-training screening for advanced-age runners may not be effective in detecting early life-threatening cardiovascular disease.
Research suggests that higher body mass index (BMI) in early adulthood is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer before menopause. This protective effect is not linked to ovulation problems, and the association persists even when adjusting for other factors such as family history and lifestyle habits.
A recent study published in Tobacco Control found that halving daily cigarette consumption has no significant health benefits. Among the participants who cut back on their smoking, women actually had higher death rates from all causes combined than heavy smokers.
Scientists can now directly measure heat from the Earth's core to the mantle boundary, essential for understanding tectonic plate movement. Researchers created 3D simulations using 70,000 computing hours on a supercomputer, producing synthetic seismograms and advancing knowledge of seismic wave behavior.
The Advancement of Geriatrics Education (AGE) Project will integrate geriatrics into HMS curriculum and provide education to medical and surgical residents, as well as practicing physicians. The program aims to expose physicians to the unique concerns of older individuals and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
A new study found that hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients face a significant long-term risk of developing a second cancer, with the risk almost doubling within 10 years. The study also identified specific risk factors, including age at transplant and donor cell type.
Researchers found that a radical prostatectomy can be a viable option for select octogenarian patients with localized prostate cancer. The 10-year survival rate was similar to that observed in healthy patients 60-79 years old undergoing a radical prostatectomy.
A team of researchers has confirmed the existence of a complex order parameter in ruthenate superconductors, which breaks time-reversal symmetry. This discovery was made using the Josephson interferometer technique and provides crucial insights into the microscopic mechanism responsible for superconductivity.
Research reveals that heart attack-related depression significantly increases the risk of further cardiovascular emergencies. The DepreMI Study found that incident post-heart attack depression is linked to a poor prognosis, warranting more targeted screenings and treatments.
Researchers used MRI to show that a 90-degree sitting position causes more strain on the spine than an optimal 135-degree posture. This finding could help prevent back pain by advising patients to correct their sitting posture.
A national plan for disaster medicine training has been developed with a federal grant, aiming to provide training for everyone working on the front lines. The plan brings together key stakeholders to create courses that meet their needs, with state-specific plans also being developed.
A new study found that rote learning can improve memory in seniors after an intensive period of memorization followed by a six-week rest. The volunteers exhibited improved memory performance, correlated with metabolic changes in the brain.
Researchers at Rice University and The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that carbon nanotubes injected into lab animals cause no immediate harm and circulate in the blood and liver for over an hour before being eliminated. The study provides promising results for biomedical applications of carbon nanotubes.
Scientists explore factors that pulled Earth out of its 'Snowball Earth' state and study seismic wave speed in the lower mantle. Researchers also investigate water vapor in Saturn's upper atmosphere using Cassini radio occultation data.
Men who experience weight fluctuations may be at higher risk for developing gallstones, according to a recent study. Weight cycling, or repeatedly losing and regaining weight, was found to increase the risk of gallstone disease by 21-76% compared to those who maintained a stable weight.
Researchers found significant regions of the brain associated with memory, analysis, and cognitive functions were smaller in breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy compared to those who did not. However, these structural changes were not sustained after three years.
The hippocampus predicts future events by recalling associated memories and comparing past experiences to present ones. Damage to the hippocampus affects sequence memory and navigation abilities.
Researchers have discovered a flexible coiled-coil region in dynein that enables rapid conversion of chemical energy into mechanical force, powering cell division and mitochondrial transport. This breakthrough sheds light on the protein's function and may hold implications for understanding neurodegenerative disorders.
A meta-analysis of seven clinical trials found that statins can reduce the risk of major heart and cerebrovascular events in healthy individuals. However, these medications do not appear to provide significant benefits for those without cardiovascular disease or abnormal cholesterol levels.
A new 'inverse planning' system developed by the Georgia Institute of Technology improves brachytherapy treatment for prostate and other cancers. The system optimizes radiation doses to tumor cells while minimizing effects on nearby structures, leading to better local tumor control and reduced side effects.
A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has successfully synthesized an antibiotic called fosfomycin in a non-native host, paving the way for new treatments against bacterial infections. The development is significant as it addresses the rising threat of antibiotic resistance.
New research indicates that prenatal alcohol exposure may be associated with changes in stress-response systems among infants. The study found elevated cortisol levels and responses to social challenges in infants born to mothers who consumed alcohol during pregnancy.
Researchers found a decrease in blood circulation in some areas of the brain and verbal memory performance among low-dose ecstasy users compared to non-users. The study suggests that even small amounts of ecstasy may cause subtle changes in brain structure and function.
Research reveals that Amazonian forests are undergoing a rapid transformation as a result of fragmentation, leading to the loss of rare and slow-growing tree species. The study found that small, fast-growing trees store less carbon, contributing to global warming.
Researchers are using computed tomography to study the effects of fat stored around the heart and its potential contribution to atherosclerosis. The study aims to investigate whether fat deposits in the arteries increase the risk of fatty deposits and inflammation, leading to heart attacks.
A team of radiologists used CT scans to re-examine the mummy of King Tutankhamun, estimating his age at death between 18-20 years old. The findings suggest a premortem fracture to the femoral bone, potentially caused by an open wound that became infected and fatal.
A study of over 3,000 mothers and their children found that pregnant smokers were almost three times as likely to have regular-smoking offspring by age 14. Children whose mothers resumed smoking after pregnancy had similar smoking patterns, suggesting a direct link between maternal smoking during pregnancy and child's smoking habit.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a novel method for assembling gold and silver nanoparticle building blocks into larger structures, inspired by the self-assembly of lipid membranes that surround every living cell. The new technique allows for the creation of ultra-potent cancer drugs and efficient catalysts.
A recent analysis of tobacco industry defense strategies reveals a shift in arguments as companies publicly admitted to smoking causing cancer. The study found that the industry initially claimed a lack of scientific proof and shifted its focus to mitigating factors and plaintiff free will as public admissions increased.
Thomas Jefferson University researchers have found a connection between an aging gene and the prevention of prostate cancer cell growth. The study reveals that SIRT1, a sirtuin enzyme, can block cancer growth by inhibiting the activity of mutated androgen receptors, which are resistant to current therapies.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic will hinder efforts to reduce extreme poverty and hunger, improve maternal health, and tackle infectious diseases. Researchers estimate that the epidemic could lower national GDP by up to 1.5% annually, with a greater impact on economic development in Africa.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that SOX9 and RUNX2 are two master transcription factors involved in differentiating skeletal progenitor cells into bone or cartilage. The researchers found that SOX9 appears to be the dominant player, suppressing RUNX2 activity to promote cartilage formation.
A study published in Neurology found that people with Parkinson disease were more likely to make safety mistakes during a driving test than those without neurological disorders. The study involved an on-road driving test of participants with mild to moderate Parkinson disease and those of similar age without neurological disorders.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University explores the changing roles and emotions of caregivers in the early stages of dementia care. Family members reported experiencing frustration, resentment, grief, and loss of intimacy while taking on new responsibilities, yet also showing increased protectiveness towards loved ones.
A national climate service could help with forecasts of climate fluctuations, providing months of advance warnings for water and power managers, private industries, and those charged with human safety. The service would also project scenarios of climate change for specific regions up to a hundred years out.
A study published in Neurology found that pregabalin significantly reduced severe pain and anxiety problems in patients with moderate to severe nerve pain after spinal cord injury. The medication was effective in relieving pain, improving sleep, and overall well-being.
A new ultrasound technique, elasticity imaging, has been found to correctly identify both cancerous and harmless breast lesions in nearly all cases. By gauging tissue movement, the non-invasive method can detect how soft or stiff an object is, reducing the need for invasive biopsies.
The new journal aims to bridge the gap between economics and real-world issues by publishing readable yet rigorous articles. Oxonomics will provide an outlet for undergraduate and graduate students to publish their research alongside established academics and policymakers.
A Bowling Green State University biologist believes long-dormant influenza strains can be unleashed by melting ice in remote global outposts, posing a potential threat to human immunity.
Researchers found that girls use a system for memorizing words and associations, while boys rely on rule-governed language systems. The study supports the notion that men and women may process skills differently, with estrogen affecting brain processing.
Brüschweiler recognized for fundamental contributions to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and its applications in protein characterization, leading to a deeper understanding of protein behavior and potential disease treatments.
Researchers have discovered HIV replication in resident immune cells of the testis, providing an explanation for the persistence of virus in semen. The study suggests that the testis may be a pharmacological sanctuary for the virus.
Researchers at NYU and Scripps have identified a new enzyme GAPDH that regulates insulin pathways, providing a promising direction for treating diabetes. The discovery of GAPDS, an inhibitor of GAPDH, attenuates diabetic symptoms in model animals, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
Scientists have discovered that the giant danio, unlike its cousin the zebrafish, exhibits indeterminate growth due to hyperplasia, allowing it to continuously grow into adulthood. This study provides a model for understanding muscle growth and has potential applications in investigating muscle wasting diseases such as muscular dystrophy.
Researchers have improved understanding of a new malaria treatment using artesunate suppositories, which show potential as a first-line treatment for moderately severe malaria. However, patients vary in how well they process the drug, highlighting the need for further clinical studies.
A new study reveals that human behavior can trigger a 'rarity effect' in endangered species, driving them into an extinction vortex. This phenomenon resembles the Allee effect, where low population densities increase extinction risk. The pursuit of rare species for luxury items or social status exacerbates this effect.
Between 2002 and 2030, life expectancy is expected to increase globally, with fewer child deaths under 5 years old. However, HIV/AIDS deaths are projected to rise, while tobacco-related diseases surpass them in prevalence.
Scientists develop method to train honey bees to detect explosives, including TNT, C4, and TATP, with exceptional olfactory sense. The technique harnesses the bee's natural reaction to nectar to record an unmistakable response to a scent.
A study found that elderly women, those with public health insurance, and those who don't visit obstetricians regularly are less likely to receive clinical breast exams and mammogram recommendations. Regular clinical breast exams can detect breast cancer at an early stage, making them comparable to yearly mammograms.
The new X-ray microscope resolves details down to 17 nanometers, allowing for the study of quantum dots and other nanomaterials in three dimensions. This technique opens up comprehensive imaging capabilities for various samples, including porous materials, semiconductors, and biomaterials.
A study of nearly two million patients found that 60% of Scottish surgeries prescribed homeopathic or herbal remedies, with children under 16 being particularly targeted. The researchers call for a critical review of this trend, highlighting the lack of scientific evidence supporting these therapies.
A large-scale review of bariatric procedures in older adults found significant increases in complications and mortality rates compared to younger patients. The study, which analyzed over 25,000 procedures, suggests that weight-loss surgery should be limited to those under 65 years old.
The Cone Beam Breast Computed Tomography (CBBCT) scanner produces three-dimensional pictures of breast anatomy to distinguish benign lesions from tiny cancers. The pilot study showed promising results, with one case demonstrating a cancer that was hard to detect on a mammogram.