Researchers have identified calcineurin as essential for complete lung development, and its absence led to respiratory problems in mice. A new model of human placental development also sheds light on the complex process of placentation, while a study on thyroid structures reveals that mature T cells trigger their formation.
The Starr Cancer Consortium aims to coordinate research efforts among five renowned institutions to understand and treat cancer. The collaboration will focus on developing new technologies, diagnostic approaches, and treatments for various forms of the disease.
Researchers found that pollutants from forest fires in Alaska and Canada significantly increased ozone pollution levels above Houston on July 19-20, 2004. The study highlighted the critical role of imported sources in local air quality, emphasizing the need for improved air quality forecasting and solutions.
A study found that wild bees improve honeybee effectiveness in pollinating flowers and generating seeds, especially on farms with abundant natural habitats. This phenomenon contributes significantly to the sunflower industry, adding around $10 million in value annually.
Scientists tracked air pollution from Alaskan-Canadian forest fires to Houston, finding a 50-100% increase in ozone levels within five kilometers of the city. This event highlights the impact of long-distance pollutants on local air quality and emphasizes the need for improved forecasting.
Schistosomiasis, a widespread parasitic disease, can be controlled through wide-scale drug treatment and socio-economic progress. Establishing strong health systems is crucial for integrating sustainable control measures and caring for patients.
A new study found that black patients with bladder cancer are 35 percent more likely to die of the disease than white patients. Black women in particular had more aggressive tumors and lower survival rates compared to white men and women and black men.
Direct observations of DNA are giving new insights into genetic material copying and repair processes, revealing how enzymes like RecA assemble into filaments. The findings have implications for understanding breast cancer risk and future studies on single enzymes at work unwinding DNA strands.
Researchers at University of Bristol have made a major breakthrough in measuring energy levels inside living heart cells, real-time. This could lead to better understanding of heart disease and improved recovery of the heart during cardiac surgery or after a heart attack.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Bath discovered that Accutane, a common acne treatment, can induce depression-like behavior in mice. The study found that mice treated with the drug spent more time motionless and exhibited reduced escape-related behavior compared to untreated animals.
The research team will investigate how design teams organize themselves and interact in open source projects, with a focus on the Apache Web server, PostgreSQL database, and Python scripting language. They aim to understand the impact of team structure on software quality and development speed.
The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) at Stevens Institute of Technology has been awarded a three-year, $1.2 million National Science Foundation ITEST grant. The BUILD IT program will introduce engineering design and problem solving skills to students through LEGO robotics and programming in an underwat...
Climate scientists have detected human-induced climate change at a regional scale in Canada, southern Europe and China. The study uses four climate models to simulate climates over time periods, reproducing observed temperature changes that can't be explained by natural variability alone.
Researchers identified a new gene, SUMO1, as a potential cause of cleft lip and palate when underexpressed. The discovery links individual genes to shared protein networks, providing a promising new lead in understanding the complex genetic mechanisms behind this birth defect.
Top US high school students will partner with peers from Korea, China, and India to find real-world engineering solutions to combat climate change. Winners will receive college scholarships and other awards.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new technique for creating vertical alignment among liquid crystal molecules, eliminating the need for manual rubbing and potentially increasing device yield. The technique uses in-situ photopolymerization to create a cellular matrix of liquid crystalline droplets with con...
The 2006 Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge has awarded prizes to 22 winning entries across five categories, showcasing innovative approaches to visualize complex scientific concepts. The winning images and multimedia presentations will be featured in the September 22, 2006 issue of Science.
In a study published in JCI Journals, researchers found that calcineurin is essential for complete lung development in mice. Mice lacking calcineurin function died shortly after birth due to lung failure.
A study led by USC researchers found that low-income adults are more likely to have high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a risk factor for heart disease. This association may be linked to the effects of poverty on health, particularly among African Americans, Hispanics, and women.
Researchers found that tailored dietary advice delivered through an internet shopping system led to participants buying foods lower in saturated fat. This study demonstrates the potential of low-cost technologies to motivate users to change their behavior.
A NASA-funded study using satellite data, computer models and weather balloon readings found that smoke from Alaskan and Canadian forest fires increased ozone pollution levels in Houston by 50-100%.
Marc Levine, a renowned expert in gastrointestinal radiology, has received the Eminent Scientist of the Year award from the International Research Promotion Council. He is recognized for his clinical expertise and research excellence in the field.
Ocean scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that microbes in deeply buried sediments produce energy-laden gases, including ethane and propane. This finding challenges traditional theories on the origin of these gases, which are typically associated with fossil fuel generation.
Researchers at EPFL discovered a new metabolic pathway that helps cells survive bacterial pore-forming toxins. The pathway triggers an inflammatory response and lipid metabolism to repair the cell membrane and protect against further damage.
The Federation of American Scientists has developed a new educational video game called Immune Attack, which engages students in learning about immunology concepts. The game features a first-person strategy game where immune cells face off against bacterial and viral infections, aiming to make learning fun and exciting.
A team of Monash University scientists has identified two proteins, Smad3 and c-Myc, involved in stopping telomerase production. This discovery could lead to the development of anti-cancer agents that mimic these proteins.
Researchers at University of Illinois and University of Arizona use computer simulations and experiments to understand the molecular mechanism behind gating in aquaporins. They discover that a single protein can be used as both a water channel and an ion channel depending on the signaling pathway activated.
A landmark publication from 100 authors offers comprehensive guidance on HPV vaccine administration and cervical cancer screening. The monograph addresses the challenges of expanding HPV-based screening to new populations and recommends universal vaccination strategies for both genders.
Researchers used NMR to detect higher energy structural sub-states of E. coli dihydrofolate reductase, finding that dynamic fluctuations channel the enzyme through its reaction cycle by minimizing energetic barriers. This challenges the traditional 'induced fit' hypothesis and highlights the importance of protein motion in catalysis.
A study published in Neuron found that the brain has a specific 'executive processing' area that inhibits emotional activity, enabling people to cope with distractions. Researchers also discovered that individuals with PTSD and depression have impaired amygdalar inhibition, leading to emotional intrusion.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered an emotional control circuit that regulates fear responses in the brain. The study found that the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the frontal lobe, activates to resolve emotional conflicts and dampens activity in the amygdala, allowing for emotional cont...
A new study reveals the existence of more than one type of Type Ia supernova, with SNLS-03D3bb being over twice as bright and half as massive as typical examples. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding these cosmic events.
The University of Rochester Medical Center is establishing a leading program in Cancer Stem Cell Research to discover cures for cancer. By studying the 'master cells' of this deadly disease, scientists aim to find underlying causes and develop therapies to target cancer stem cells.
Researchers at Montana State University's Center for Biofilm Engineering have received a $2.9 million grant to study the role of biofilms in chronic wounds. Biofilms, which are bacteria that form protective slime, can interfere with the healing process and contribute to amputations in diabetics.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that fruit flies' visual systems are genetically programmed and don't require neuronal activity for formation. This finding challenges the idea that brain wiring needs activity from neurons to function correctly.
A University of Alberta study found that walking alone is unlikely to produce marked health benefits compared to more intense exercise programs. Regular moderate activity and occasional vigorous periods are crucial for optimal health outcomes.
A study found that lobbing raw eggs at people as a prank can result in blunt ocular trauma, leading to injuries such as tears, bruising, and raised internal pressure. In some cases, this can cause permanent loss of eyesight.
In a head-to-head trial comparing vardenafil and sildenafil, men with ED favored vardenafil for its superiority in erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. The study found that 38.9% preferred vardenafil over sildenafil.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the connection between calcineurin and diabetes. By inhibiting calcineurin, they were able to prevent beta cells from increasing their numbers and producing insulin, offering new hope for treating type-2 diabetes. The findings al...
Dr. Kevin J. Tracey's theory of the inflammatory reflex reveals a direct link between brain and immune system via the vagus nerve, providing a new approach to treating chronic inflammatory diseases. By manipulating brain activity, individuals may be able to 'think' their way to feeling better.
A study analyzing 13 biomarkers found that combinations of neuroendocrine and immune markers were associated with high-risk pathways in men, while systolic blood pressure was linked to female high-risk pathways. Recursive partitioning identified the importance of biological regulatory systems in predicting mortality in later life.
A Hopkins study reveals that T lymphocytes, part of the immune system, play a dual role in organ damage after transplantation. While they produce toxic chemicals that contribute to IRI, they also appear to protect transplanted kidneys from damage. The findings could lead to new strategies for preventing or rapidly treating IRI.
Researchers found that increasing leptin production in the hypothalamus helps regulate insulin secretion, keeping blood glucose levels normal. Gene therapy successfully reversed type 2 diabetes in diabetic mice, even after a high-fat diet.
The Bird's Head Seascape in Indonesia's Papua province is the Earth's most diverse marine ecosystem, with over 1,200 fish species and 600 coral species. Threats from fishing, deforestation, and mining require immediate protection to preserve this unique biodiversity.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a process for producing bioplastics from natural oils, which will be used to create high-tech hog feeders. The new feeders are expected to reduce material costs and provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical-based feeders.
Research finds that Latino immigrant families in North Carolina face extreme hunger rates, with some areas experiencing hunger more severe than Appalachia. The study found that 35.6% to 41.8% of respondents experienced food insecurity, compared to the national average.
Researchers from the University of Arizona found that the same mathematical equation describing stalactite shapes also applies to icicles, regardless of size or growth conditions. The discovery provides new insights into the physics of natural formations and their underlying math.
A review of published research suggests that cigarette smoking increases the risk of contracting HIV and progressing to AIDS. The study found that five out of six studies concluded smokers were more likely to become HIV positive, with varying risks ranging from 60% to tripling.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute developed a way to protect fair-skinned individuals from skin cancer using medicinally-induced tans. The study, published in Nature, involved applying a cream that mimicked the process of ultraviolet rays triggering pigmentation, suggesting a novel approach to preventing melanoma.
Children with very low birth weights tend to score lower on quality of life scales, particularly in cognitive functions and social function. Long stays in neonatal intensive care units are also associated with reduced social function.
Researchers found that caterpillars evolved different physiological mechanisms to adjust to carbohydrate-rich and low-carbohydrate diets. This study suggests that animals can adapt metabolically to extreme nutritional environments, which may have implications for understanding the human obesity epidemic.
A recent study found that women who take multivitamins early in pregnancy may reduce their child's risk of developing certain types of brain tumors. The protective effect was strongest when multivitamins were taken close to conception, with a weakly significant reduction in the risk of medulloblastoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumors.
Healthcare providers must weigh benefits and risks of NSAID use, which are associated with gastrointestinal complications. The AGA Institute recommends lower-risk agents and gastroprotection methods for patients at high risk of GI complications.
New research suggests that skeletal microdamage resulting from bisphosphonate treatment may be maximal during the first year of treatment and not continue to accumulate with longer periods of treatment. The study found no increase in vertebral microcracks after 3 years of alendronate treatment compared to those treated for 1 year.
Researchers from MBL found anatomical evidence of a 'hidden communication channel' in squid skin, which remains masked during camouflage. The study suggests that squid may use polarized signals to convey information about their surroundings, including the presence of predators or other squid.
Researchers identified genes affecting fruit fly aggression, finding a 10% genetic contribution to behavior. The study's findings have implications for understanding abnormal aggression in humans and developing pharmaceutical interventions.
A new University of Colorado study indicates that Greenland is shedding ice at about two and one-half times the rate of the previous period. The ice mass loss has been occurring primarily in southern Greenland, consistent with studies charting a dramatic acceleration of glaciers in southeast Greenland.
The University of Virginia School of Medicine has received a $35.7 million grant renewal from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to continue its Cell Migration Consortium research. The consortium, comprising nearly 40 researchers globally, aims to understand cell migration and its role in diseases like cancer.
A nearly intact 3.3 million year-old juvenile Australopithecus afarensis skeleton has been discovered, providing insights into the growth and development cycle of the species. The skeleton's unique blend of ape-like features and adaptations for bipedal locomotion will help researchers better understand human evolution.
A unique evolutionary link has been found between the immune systems of fish and mammals, with primitive B cells in fish playing a key role in phagocytosis. This discovery could lead to new strategies for developing effective fish vaccines and offers insights into the evolution and function of immune cells.