Researchers from the University of Alberta have recorded alarming evidence that Arctic ponds are drying out rapidly, affecting waterfowl habitats and biodiversity hotspots. The study, published in PNAS, reveals a drastic shift in water levels and chemistry over 24 years, consistent with increased evaporation and warmer temperatures.
A new study found high levels of MPO to signal increased risk for heart disease nearly a decade before conventional risk factors set off alarms. Elevated MPO levels also indicate unstable plaque and may be used to detect vulnerable patients.
The use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators is increasing in Canada but remains lower than in the US. In adults who survived a cardiac arrest, the rate increased from 5.4% to 26.7% between 1995 and 2003. The devices are considered safe and effective for people at risk of life-threatening rhythm disturbances.
A 2001-2002 survey found that over 30% of US adults met criteria for an alcohol use disorder, with a significant gap in treatment uptake. The study's findings highlight the importance of identifying and addressing AUDs early in their course to prevent personal disability and societal damage.
Researchers discovered two human antibodies that can neutralize different strains of the SARS virus, which caused outbreaks in humans in 2002-2003. The antibodies were tested in lab assays and mouse models, showing potent neutralization of the virus.
A new biogeographic classification system, Marine Ecoregions of the World, is described in BioScience, providing a valuable tool for conservation planning. The system groups coastal and shelf areas into 232 distinct ecoregions, enabling researchers to identify critical areas for conserving endangered species.
Researchers report that much of Tahiti's original genetic diversity still exists in remnant populations, offering a glimmer of hope for conservation efforts. The study suggests that targeted measures may preserve a representative fraction of the island's endemic tree snail genetic diversity.
The Johns Hopkins Fogarty African Research Ethics Training Program has successfully trained 23 African professionals in bioethics, enabling them to implement changes in their home countries. Trainees have made institutional changes, drafted guidelines, and raised awareness of the need for research ethics support.
Rats who received help in the past were more likely to help another unknown partner, demonstrating generalized reciprocal cooperation. This finding suggests that evolutionary explanations for cooperation in animals may be broader than previously thought, potentially involving cultural and anonymous experiences.
Experimental studies suggest that targeting angiogenesis with dopamine agonists and dendritic cell inhibitors may inhibit endometrial lesions and decrease cancer risk. Mouse models show reduced blood vessel formation and increased old blood vessels in treatment groups.
Researchers suggest using insecticide-treated bed nets for adults and older children to protect against malaria. The strategy could substantially enhance protection of vulnerable groups by reducing mosquito transmission.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded 20 PhD students the 2007 Hartford Pre-Dissertation Award for their research on aging. The recipients will receive funding to attend workshops and present their work at conferences.
A recent study by Northwestern University researchers found that animals who are partially sleep deprived over consecutive days no longer attempt to catch up on sleep, despite an accumulating sleep deficit. This suggests that chronic partial sleep loss negatively affects the body's ability to compensate for lost sleep.
Researchers from USC identified a technique for determining a tumor's 'immune signature,' which could lead to personalized medicine and improved diagnosis. The analysis revealed that a small subset of genes is integral in explaining immunological behavior, and may be useful for matching tumors with available therapies.
Most UK sports clubs do not conduct comprehensive preparticipation medical evaluations, despite recommended guidelines. A survey found that less than half of cricket and rugby union clubs recorded player concussion histories before employment.
An analysis of US city-specific weather data reveals that global warming will lead to more deaths in summer due to extreme temperatures. Deaths from all causes are known to rise when temperatures go up, and heart attacks and cardiac arrests are more likely when it is very cold.
A team of scientists from WWF and Conservation International has discovered the world's largest known population of grey-shanked doucs, increasing chances that the endangered monkey can be saved from extinction. The population is estimated to have over 180 individuals, with significantly more potentially living in adjacent forest areas.
Physicists have created the world's first heat transistor and remotely controlled nanomachines, enabling tiny refrigerators and heaters. The team also found that air pressure affects landing on Martian dunes, making low-pressure atmospheres favorable for robot landings.
A study found that older patients with stable cardiovascular disease can benefit from high-dose statins, which lowered LDL cholesterol levels and reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events. The study suggests that aggressive use of high-dose statin therapy can be beneficial for these patients.
Scientists have discovered that mother-of-pearl's unique mosaic architecture, with non-aligned crystals, may contribute to its exceptional strength by preventing the formation of natural cleavage planes. Researchers aim to model and reproduce this process to develop new biomimetic materials with improved mechanical properties.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo discovered that high levels of cystatin C can predict an increased risk of developing pre-diabetes. The study, based on the Western New York Health Study, found a three-fold association between cystatin C levels and progression to pre-diabetes.
A new startup company, Catilin Inc., is working to revolutionize biodiesel production using Victor Lin's nanosphere-based catalyst. The technology has the potential to make production cheaper, faster, and less toxic, while producing a cleaner fuel and glycerol co-product.
Researchers found that older adults with difficulty identifying common odors were more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Olfactory dysfunction was associated with lower cognitive scores and a faster decline in memory, supporting the idea that smell identification may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's.
Two studies published in JCI uncover regulators of squamous cell carcinoma development, highlighting the critical role of p53 tumor suppressor gene mutations and chemokine receptor D6. The findings suggest that certain p53 mutations accelerate SCC progression and that inflammation sensitizes skin cells to tumor formation.
A new algorithm for personalized ovarian stimulation therapy has been developed, demonstrating improved pregnancy rates in women undergoing fertility treatment. The formula, based on four easily measured patient characteristics, was tested in a prospective clinical study involving 161 patients.
Researchers from Indiana University found that 68% of pediatrician malpractice cases were withdrawn or dismissed, and only 5% went to trial. Pediatricians accounted for only 2.97% of all malpractice claims, with median payments rising from $65,000 in 1985 to $270,000 in 2005.
Regulatory warnings about antidepressant risks led to a 33% decrease in new prescriptions among Tennessee's expanded Medicaid program. Fluoxetine prescriptions actually increased, suggesting altered treatment decisions.
A recent study found that approximately 30% of Americans experience some form of alcohol use disorder, leading to significant impairment and distress. The study also revealed that disability levels increase steadily as dependence becomes more severe, with males and younger adults being disproportionately affected.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed software that enables smart traffic boxes to detect road incidents more efficiently, reducing communication costs by up to 90% and achieving accuracy rates of over 90%. This innovation aims to help transportation authorities identify incidents more effectively, thereby reducing conges...
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a central command system for pulmonary hypertension, a disease with no cure and high mortality rate. The team identified nuclear-factor-of-activated-T-lymphocytes (NFAT) as a potential controlling element in the cause of the disease.
Research found no significant differences in depleted uranium levels among UK Army personnel exposed to varying degrees, with levels close to those of naturally occurring uranium. The study alleviates fears about the health of military personnel exposed to radioactive depleted uranium.
The study reveals that humans use two different methods to track moving objects: low-level motion perception and high-level motion perception. Participants showed varying capabilities in each area, with some excelling at catching up to a target and others better at locking onto it.
Wide-scale communal use of insecticide-treated bed nets would provide considerable benefit to vulnerable groups, particularly adults and older children. This approach is supported by malaria transmission models suggesting a significant reduction in mosquito-borne disease transmission.
Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new oncogene, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), that contributes to the formation of two types of brain malignancies, astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma.
Researchers at the University of Oregon discovered a fundamental genetic mechanism in a marine worm that determines cell diversity and plays a role in cancer. The beta-catenin signaling pathway was found to be highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom.
A pilot study found that drinking 8 ounces of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice daily improved erections in 47% of male subjects, compared to 32% on placebo. The antioxidant content of pomegranate juice may mitigate arterial plaque and promote blood vessel dilation.
Research reveals that p53 gene mutations can trigger skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), by accelerating malignant progression and sensitizing skin cells to tumor formation. Inflammation also plays a critical role in SCC development, with the chemokine receptor D6 acting as a key regulator.
A new study has achieved four successful pregnancies using immature oocytes collected from unstimulated ovaries, matured in vitro, and then vitrified, marking a significant breakthrough in fertility preservation. The research has the potential to become an important option for patients with PCOS or those who cannot undergo ovarian stim...
The GBIF Data Portal offers instant mapping and plotting of biodiversity data on Google Earth, facilitating ecological studies and predicting species response to climate change. The portal is expected to significantly increase the number of participating institutions, making global biodiversity data freely available worldwide.
The NIH has awarded $3.4 million to support the development of innovative technologies for exploring the genomic underpinnings of cancer. Eight research teams will focus on analyzing methylation, epigenomics, and gene expression patterns in various types of cancer.
Scientists discovered preserved samples of the 1918 influenza virus in frozen autopsy tissues from an Alaskan woman buried for over 75 years. The recovery enabled researchers to study the virus's genetic material, providing valuable insights into its structure and potential vulnerabilities.
A recent study suggests that people with high cholesterol levels may be more susceptible to severe cases of tick-borne disease. The study found that bacteria levels were 10 times greater in mice with high cholesterol, indicating a potential link between cholesterol and disease severity.
Rimonabant reduces liver damage markers, decreases pro-inflammatory proteins, and improves lipid profiles in obese rats. It also normalizes levels of adiponectin, a hormone involved in metabolic disorders.
A new study reveals the challenges posed by PGD patients traveling abroad, with concerns over referral processes, counselling, and monitoring. The study highlights inconsistencies in regulation across Europe, with some countries allowing prenatal testing but not PGD.
African naked mole-rats live in colonies where only the queen reproduces, suppressing fertility in females and males around her through bullying. This stress-induced block to puberty is thought to affect hormone regulation and reproductive tract development. Understanding the mechanisms behind this social suppression could lead to insi...
Scientists create whole genome maps of chromatin in embryonic stem cells, revealing a special code that underlies cell identity. The study provides a framework for mapping the complete chromatin landscape of almost any kind of cell.
Scientists have discovered a direct connection between stress and obesity, revealing that neuropeptide Y can 'unlock' fat cells. Blocking the Y2 receptor may prevent fat growth or even kill fat cells.
A study by Timothy Salthouse found that cognitive scores vary significantly within test-takers as between age groups, raising questions about the validity of single test scores. Repeating tests over a short period may provide a more accurate range of scores, improving diagnostic workups.
Scientists at the University of Exeter have discovered a rapid brain mechanism that helps people avoid repeating previous errors. This 'early warning signal' is triggered in just 0.1 seconds after making an incorrect prediction, allowing individuals to learn from their mistakes and make better decisions in the future.
Researchers developed a new way to predict when vegetation dries to its most vulnerable state to large-scale fires in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles. The study found that global warming has not caused any apparent long-term trend toward early fire seasons in the area.
A study led by University of Cincinnati scientists has found that the RON receptor is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells, suggesting a link between the receptor and disease development. The researchers believe blocking the receptor's signaling pathways could lead to new therapies for this deadly disease.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found a mechanism to manipulate fat in targeted areas using simple chemical injections. This breakthrough could lead to better control of metabolic syndrome and revolutionize human cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
Scientists successfully extracted and froze eggs from ovarian tissue of girls as young as 5 years old, a breakthrough in preserving fertility in young cancer patients. The study found an average of 8.5 eggs per patient, with a 32% success rate in maturing the eggs in vitro.
A team of scientists, led by UCSF's Brian Shoichet, successfully translated the structure of an enzyme into its function. By modifying a molecular docking technique, they predicted the natural molecule that triggers enzyme action, confirming the approach's potential to determine how key enzymes work in the body.
Researchers using Loop Quantum Gravity theory find a contracting universe before the Big Bounce, with space-time geometry similar to today's. A new mathematical model allows for precise analytical solutions and reveals a 'cosmic forgetfulness' due to extreme quantum forces during the Big Bounce.
Researchers found that even moderate exposure to cat allergen resulted in significantly greater responsiveness among individuals with any sensitization. The study suggests that reduced exposure to cats may be beneficial for allergic individuals, regardless of their specific allergies.
Scientists have developed a method to insert unnatural amino acids into living mammalian cells, allowing for precise control over protein structure and function. This breakthrough enables the study of previously inaccessible biological questions, such as the mechanism of ion channels in nerve cells.
Researchers have identified Interleukin-12 (IL-12) as a vital molecule for resistance to food allergy. By delivering an allergen in the presence of IL-12, allergic reactions could be brought under control, potentially providing a new treatment option.
A study of over 100,000 patients found that suicide attempts decreased during the first month of treatment for depression, regardless of medication or therapy type. Patients who received antidepressant prescriptions from psychiatrists were more likely to attempt suicide than those who received them from primary care doctors.
A study found that combining endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) increases diagnostic yield in peripheral lung lesions. The procedure achieved a sensitivity comparable to surgical biopsies, with a 88% diagnostic yield, while reducing complications.