The study reveals that plant genomes evolved from a far more dynamic structure than previously believed, with genes being lost, replicated or shifted over time. This challenges the notion of biotechnologists performing 'unnatural acts' when inserting genes into crops.
A study found that maternal infection during pregnancy and very preterm birth are associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy. Brain MRI scans also revealed white-matter damage as the most common finding in children with cerebral palsy, with strong correlations between clinical findings and brain scan results.
Researchers at UCLA/VA have discovered that curcumin, a compound found in curry and turmeric, can enhance the immune system's ability to clear amyloid beta from the brain. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, treated macrophages showed improved uptake of amyloid beta in 50% of patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists in India have developed a new process to extract large quantities of cholesterol-lowering compounds from sea buckthorn, retaining over 40% of polyphenols and 70% of vitamin C. This technology could provide a new weapon to fight cardiovascular disease.
A study found associations between genetic polymorphisms and response to antidepressant treatment, suggesting personalized treatment options. Patients carrying specific gene variations had better response rates to norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
A new study estimates that up to 73 million sharks are killed annually for their valuable fins, exceeding UN reports by three times. The shark fin trade's high demand and lack of regulation threaten slow-to-produce shark populations.
Researchers have made significant advances in optics tests for early Alzheimer's detection, which may enable universal screening technologies. The tests can identify small molecular signs of the disease in the eye before brain pathology is present, raising hopes for early diagnosis and slowing disease progression.
A new study by Harvard University researchers found that car secondhand smoke levels can be hazardous to children, with pollution exceeding the EPA's unhealthy threshold. The study measured tobacco smoke in cars and found average levels of 272 micrograms when the driver's side window was opened slightly.
A study found that patients with NAFLD have a significant risk of developing end-stage liver disease, cardiovascular complications, and diabetes. Lifestyle modifications are recommended to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve liver histology.
The University of Pittsburgh is awarded a $83.5 million NIH grant to establish the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), aiming to transform clinical research and improve patient care. The CTSI will foster clinical and translational research, promote access to clinical trials, and develop novel methodologies.
Researchers at McMaster University found that seniors can re-learn multi-tasking with practice, achieving levels similar to younger participants. The study showed that training improved performance in both older and younger subjects, with benefits lasting up to three months later.
George Smoot's discovery of miniscule temperature variations in the infant universe revealed a pattern consistent with the Big Bang theory. This finding, supported by subsequent experiments, confirmed the cosmos' origins and provided evidence for gravity's role in shaping the universe's structure.
Researchers found that doxycycline effectively regresses lymphoma in both positive and negative patients for Chlamydia psittaci, offering a safe alternative to chemotherapy and radiation. The study showed a 66% rate of disease-free survival among patients treated with doxycycline.
The NIH has launched a national consortium to transform clinical research, enabling the development of new treatments more efficiently and quickly. The initiative aims to improve medical care by applying scientific advances to real-world practice, particularly in underserved populations.
Older women with breast cancer often receive inadequate care due to ageism, despite being half of new patients each year. Researchers call for considering overall health and frailty in treatment decisions.
Researchers at Clemson University have created a nanotechnology-based countermeasure to render anthrax spores harmless. The method uses sugar-coated carbon nanotubes to bind with the spores, preventing their inhalation and destruction.
A New Mexico study found a 29% increase in Sunday crashes and a 42% increase in alcohol-related crash fatalities since lifting the statewide ban on Sunday packaged alcohol sales. The study, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, analyzed data from 1990 to 2005.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has been awarded $68 million by the NIH to lead a national consortium on clinical and translational science. The Philadelphia partnership will enhance research, education, and outreach programs, improving medical care for underserved populations.
A new study by Wake Forest University biologists reveals that fishermen caught and killed an estimated 1 percent of the world's waved albatrosses in a year. The research highlights the unintentional killing of birds in fishing nets and intentional harvesting for human consumption.
Researchers studying a lancelet, a tiny primitive fish found in Tampa Bay waters, have identified key immune system proteins that share similarities with those found in humans. The study's findings could lead to improved biodefense and biotechnology for cancer treatment and disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
A study by University College London archaeologists found that the humble shoelace tags were more valuable to indigenous Cubans than gold, suggesting a significant shift in trade priorities. The discovery challenges traditional views of gold's value and highlights the importance of alternative materials in pre-Columbian societies.
Researchers at UVA Health System have discovered cancer-testis antigens, called SPANX proteins, which could selectively kill melanoma tumors while sparing the rest of the body's tissues. These antigens may also help develop a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to attack and suppress melanoma tumors.
A Penn State study found that nearly 73% of college students don't believe the norms message, and those who do report similar drinking habits among friends. The study suggests that social networks have a greater influence on drinking behavior than previously thought.
New York Yankees have a better than 3 in 4 chance of advancing to the league championship according to NJIT math professor Bruce Bukiet's model. The Minnesota Twins also show a strong probability of defeating the Oakland A's with a 71% chance.
A study found that obese smokers have a 3.5 to 5 times increased risk of death compared to those of normal weight who never smoke. The study also revealed that being a current smoker is a stronger risk factor for cancer death than obesity.
Experimental drugs show promise against neuroAIDS, a growing concern despite best antivirals. New grant aims to protect brain from HIV-related nerve damage using compounds that counter toxins and reduce inflammation.
Researchers discovered that West Nile virus blocks immune signaling by a protein receptor, allowing it to replicate and spread. The African strain does not block this activity, making it harmless to the immune system. Harnessing this strain could lead to vaccine development against North American strains.
Biochemist Martin Egli and his team solved the X-ray crystal structure of homo-DNA, an artificial analog of DNA with a six-carbon sugar backbone. The study shows that fully hydroxylated six-carbon sugars are too bulky to produce a stable base-pairing system capable of carrying genetic information as efficiently as DNA.
Research highlights the increased risk of suicide among breast cancer survivors for up to 30 years after diagnosis, as well as the association between hormone therapies and ovarian cancer risk. Additionally, high levels of circulating sex hormones may contribute to premenopausal breast cancer risk.
A study pooled data from over 20 groups conducting breast cancer research, identifying 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may be linked to breast cancer risk. The authors found that five SNPs showed borderline statistical significance and could contribute to breast cancer incidence.
A new gene, Slynar, has been linked to both depression and bipolar disorder, affecting around 10% of cases. Researchers hope the discovery will lead to new treatments for these conditions.
In a year-long clinical trial, MK-0557, an antiobesity drug targeting the hunger-stimulating factor neuropeptide Y, failed to produce clinically meaningful weight loss. The drug showed modest weight loss in obese individuals but was not sufficient as a standalone treatment.
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) patients who have multiple active molecular pathways in their blood and bone marrow samples tend to have a poorer prognosis. Targeting just one pathway is unlikely to be effective due to cross-activation, requiring the development of multi-drug therapies.
The UCSF Institute will support innovative approaches in translational and clinical science across four schools, with a focus on accelerating the pace of scientific discovery into patient care. The institute's goal is to find more efficient ways to move basic research findings into the clinic.
A study published in NeuroImage found structural abnormalities in the planum temporale of individuals with Williams syndrome, which may explain their enhanced auditory skills. Despite smaller brain volumes, the temporal lobe was found to be of normal volume, suggesting that other factors contribute to their unique abilities.
Researchers re-examine the nature of amnesia, questioning whether it's a defect in memory storage or recovery. They propose novel experimental approaches to evaluate the neurobiological basis of memory impairment, building on existing studies of amnesia.
A nationwide systematic screening program in Italy has shown a significant decline in sudden cardiovascular deaths among young athletes, with a 89% reduction in incidence rates. The study analyzed data from 1979 to 2004 and found that most cases of sudden death were due to previously unsuspected structural heart disease.
Scientists discovered a unique evolutionary link between primitive B cells in fish and the adaptive immune response in humans. In fish, B cells participate in phagocytosis, attacking and eating foreign particles; this behavior is unexpected in mammals. The findings may lead to novel roles of B cells in mammals and improved fish vaccines.
Researchers in Germany have developed a new, non-invasive technique to measure skin aging using a laser-based method. The technique measures collagen and elastin levels by a single factor, providing a quantitative assessment of skin health.
A study found that higher levels of specialized blood cells from bone marrow are associated with liver cancer prognosis. Elevated endothelial progenitor cells were linked to poorer outcomes in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have created a complete map of the molecular 'control panels' that regulate cell growth in breast cancer driven by estrogen. The atlas contains thousands of previously unknown on/off switches, providing new insights into gene regulation and potential treatments.
Researchers found that patients with symptomatic moderate asthma treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha experienced significantly fewer disease exacerbations than those on placebo. The study also showed a significant decrease in diurnal variation in peak expiratory flow rate.
A study by researchers from the University of Turin found that hospital admissions for acute heart attacks among people under 60 fell by 11% after Italy's public smoking ban was introduced. The decline was largely attributed to reduced exposure to passive smoking, with only a small fraction due to active smoking.
Researchers at UCSD discovered a key protein that enables distinct light gathering units in fruit fly compound eyes, improving visual acuity and angular sensitivity. The presence or absence of this protein can convert open to closed eye systems in insects.
Researchers investigated XPD allele interactions using compound heterozygote mice, finding that combinations of mutant alleles alleviated disease symptoms and improved gene function. This challenges the existing monoallelic paradigm, suggesting biallelic effects may occur in some patients.
A new study by mathematical biologists at The University of Texas at Austin recommends vaccine distribution strategies for potential shortages. The best approach depends on the contagiousness of the flu strain, with school children and high-risk groups being prioritized accordingly.
A survey of over 3,000 physicians found that fewer than half incorporate e-mail and Internet resources into routine patient practice. Only about 40% said they used e-mail communication with colleagues frequently.
A study found that Tadalafil (Cialis) significantly improved erectile dysfunction in prostate cancer patients who underwent 3D-CRT. Successful intercourse rates were 48% for those taking Tadalafil, compared to 9% for placebo group.
Research suggests that low birth weight infants, even those without disabilities, may face motor skills difficulties and lower cognitive abilities by adolescence. Prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal factors such as white matter injury and mechanical ventilation are associated with these outcomes.
Researchers discovered that APOBEC3G forms large RNA protein complexes to block HIV and protect against jumping genes. This finding may lead to new approaches for controlling HIV infection.
Researchers found that KEAP1 mutations in lung cancer cells increase NRF2 activity, leading to chemotherapy resistance. Meanwhile, a new study suggests targeting school-aged children for flu vaccination could help contain outbreaks.
According to a report in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, approximately one-third of boys and girls aged 12-19 in the US do not meet physical fitness standards. The study found that regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health, as low-fit youth are at increased risk of chronic diseases.
A new study has identified a key player in HIV-1's nuclear import process, revealing that host cell tRNA molecules facilitate the entry of the virus's reverse transcription complex into the nucleus. This finding sheds light on the complex mechanisms by which HIV-1 integrates its genetic material into host cells.
A study on Kentish plovers found that females are more likely to desert if there are local unpaired males, suggesting a strategy likely to persist in evolution. In species with young requiring extensive parental care, cooperative rearing is more likely to endure.
Researchers have discovered aspirin's ability to prevent blood vessel formation, a crucial step in tumor growth. By targeting this process, scientists can develop entirely new types of cancer-fighting drugs.
Researchers identify 5,400 active genes in mouse eggs, including unique ones specific to egg cells, and find evidence of rapid change in critical mammalian genes. This study provides new information on the transition from unfertilized egg to fertilized embryo.
A new multicenter research consortium, called Protocolized Care for Early Septic Shock (ProCESS), is beginning a large-scale study to determine whether specific interventions can halt the progression to severe sepsis and septic shock. The project aims to establish standard procedures to diagnose and treat sepsis in emergency departments.
Researchers at NYU and Pratt Institute discovered the mechanism behind ultramarine blue's fading, revealing that framework breakage releases color-forming molecules. This finding will aid in developing art conservation techniques to preserve cultural heirlooms.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed stronger and less expensive wood-plastic composites that can use inexpensive plastics found in old carpet fibers. These new products have the potential to capture 20% of the decking market by 2010, reducing waste disposal concerns.
A new study led by UC Davis expert Rosie Woodroffe found that killing wild badgers to prevent tuberculosis in cattle is unlikely to succeed. Badger culling disrupts territorial behavior, leading to increased disease transmission among badgers and from cattle to badgers.