Using an artificial snot coating mimics natural nose mucus to improve odour discrimination, allowing electronic noses to detect a wider range of smells. The device is compact, affordable, and faster than conventional methods.
A study found that the use of antithrombotic drugs like aspirin has led to an increase in intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke deaths among older adults. The researchers analyzed data from two studies and found that the proportion of patients taking these medications who experienced strokes increased significantly over time.
A new study finds that Arctic sea ice is retreating more quickly than computer models project, with the actual rate being 30 years ahead of schedule. The research indicates that greenhouse gases may be playing a significantly greater role in ice loss than previously thought.
A team of researchers created an interactive 'supermap' using Google Earth technology to visualize the mutations and spread of the avian flu around the globe. The map allowed users to analyze movements and changes in genetic blueprints of known avian flu sub-strains, providing insights into viral spread and potential future outbreaks.
Leslie R. Brunell, a lecturer at Stevens Institute of Technology, has been named ASCE Educator of the Year for her energy and care in the classroom. Her success in arranging student project sponsorships and internships with major engineering firms is also recognized.
Researchers identified TXNIP as a key regulator of glucose homeostasis in humans. Elevated TXNIP levels inhibit glucose uptake in muscle and fat cells, contributing to type 2 diabetes. Modulating TXNIP activity may help break the cycle leading to diabetes.
The new VERITAS telescope array will enable the detection of an increased number of gamma ray sources, potentially including indirect dark matter detection. The instrument's sensitive instrumentation has an energy threshold of about 100 GeV and can identify sources with an intensity of about 1 photon per minute.
Researchers have discovered the biochemical basis of congenital loss of smell, enabling new treatments. Patients' nasal mucus was found to lack growth factors essential for olfactory receptor cell function, leading to premature cell death. Treatment with PDE inhibitors restored smell in some patients.
Recent advances in epidemiologic and experimental knowledge have validated health benefits of moderate coffee consumption. Studies suggest that moderate coffee drinking may reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, while also lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The University of Copenhagen will receive a massive DKK 600 million grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation to establish a cutting-edge protein research center. This significant investment aims to boost research into proteins and their role in human health, potentially leading to new medicines.
Researchers found bonobos and chimpanzees use manual gestures more flexibly than facial expressions and vocalizations. The study suggests bonobos engage in multi-modal communication, combining gestures with facial expressions and vocalizations to convey a message.
Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibodies experience significant magnesium loss, affecting up to 97% of patients. The study suggests that identifying high-risk patients through patient characteristics could aid early intervention to prevent severe hypomagnesaemia.
Researchers have discovered a new substance called Zorro-LNA that can bind to both strands of DNA simultaneously, effectively disabling genes. This development has significant implications for treating dominant genetic disorders such as Huntington's disease and polycystic kidney disease.
A study of female waterfowl reproductive tracts reveals two unexpected structures that may be designed to selectively exclude the male phallus. The findings suggest a dynamic co-evolution between male and female genitalia in response to sperm competition and forced copulations.
Research suggests that estrogen's effects on the hippocampus can lead to increased excitatory synapses and enhanced learning, but also suppress inhibitory synapses, resulting in seizure activity. The study proposes novel therapeutic targets for anti-epileptic drugs, exploiting estrogen's rapid impact on neurotransmitter vesicles.
Researchers found that oxytocin improved heart rate and variability in isolated prairie voles. The peptide also reduced heart rate response to social stressors. These findings suggest a potential protective effect of oxytocin on cardiac function during social isolation.
A Yale University researcher has discovered a Chinese medicinal compound that prevents the formation of cysts in a mouse model of polycystic kidney disease. The compound, triptolide, slowed down cyst growth by 10 percent annually, which could lead to a significant clinical benefit for patients.
A study by Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix found that inhibiting Nodal signaling in aggressive melanoma cells can reverse their invasiveness and tumor formation, reverting them to a more benign skin cell type. This discovery provides a promising new target for regulating tumor progression and metastasis.
A six-week free weight training program successfully restored physical function in 96% of workers with severe rotator cuff injuries. The majority (75%) returned to their previous job, with all but one participant reporting high satisfaction. This innovative approach promises cost-effective solutions for employers and payors.
A new study suggests that green tea compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits production of molecules that cause destruction of cartilage and bone in people with rheumatoid arthritis. EGCG also suppresses inflammatory products in connective tissue.
Researchers found that leptin upregulates E-cadherin in breast tissue, promoting tumor growth and cell aggregation. This link between obesity, leptin, and breast cancer suggests new targets for drug intervention.
Hopkins researchers discovered a backup supply of stem cells that can repair severe damage to the nerves responsible for our sense of smell. These stem cells, called HBCs, grow from a population of cells not previously known for repair abilities and generate other active nasal stem cells.
A study found that green tea compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits production of inflammatory molecules involved in joint damage. EGCG also blocks the production of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2, reducing inflammation in joints.
Researchers identified periaqueductal grey area (PAG) as key brain structure involved in cardiorespiratory response to exercise. PAG activity increases during anticipation and exercise, suggesting its role in autonomic regulation of cardiovascular changes.
A new animal study reveals that moderate alcohol consumption significantly increases breast cancer tumor size and angiogenesis, providing insights into the mechanisms of alcohol-induced breast cancer. The study confirms that even low levels of EtOH intake can stimulate tumor growth and malignancy.
The University of Texas researcher, James D. Stockand, has been awarded the 2007 Henry Pickering Bowditch Memorial Award for his work on regulating sodium channels and its potential to control hypertension. His research may lead to better treatment methods for this serious condition.
A synthetic drug activates PPAR-d, the master regulator of fat metabolism, making mice resistant to weight gain and increasing their endurance. This breakthrough could lead to a new approach in treating human metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity-related health issues.
The Wellcome Trust and GSK will collaborate on a new class of antibacterials to combat rising drug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, which cause pneumonia and septic shock. The partnership aims to accelerate development of compounds for treating these resistant infections.
A study by the University of Exeter found an increase in loggerhead and Kemp's ridley turtles in UK and French waters over the last twenty years. Protective measures in US and Mexican waters are believed to be the reason for this rise.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which adult stem/progenitor cells enhance tissue repair in damaged organs. These cells not only differentiate into replacement cells but also stimulate the proliferation of existing stem cells and transfer mitochondrial DNA to dysfunctional cells.
Researchers found that enriched environments improved learning and memory in mice with neurodegeneration due to p25 activation. The animals showed significant gains on memory tests and recovered long-term memories weeks after training. However, no evidence of new neuron growth was observed.
A new study sheds light on how histone and DNA methylation cooperate to silence genes. Mammalian HP1 proteins facilitate this cooperation by stimulating the activity of DNMT1, a DNA methyltransferase.
A recent study has established a significant correlation between bile duct obstruction and the growth rate of bile duct cancer cells in animals. In fact, cancer cells in obstructed bile ducts grew up to five times faster than those without obstruction, leading to increased metastasis outside the liver.
Researchers identified an enzyme called SIK1 that regulates a pathway involving exercise-induced hormones and controls muscle-specific gene expression. Boosting SIK1 levels or inhibiting HDAC activity restored normal muscle function in genetically engineered mice with weak muscles. The discovery may provide clues for improving cellular...
The discovery of microRNAs in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii expands our understanding of small RNA regulation and challenges existing dogma. The researchers found functional characteristics between plant and animal miRNAs, suggesting a potential role in regulating sexual reproduction.
A UN-led pilot project has improved the lives of 100,000 people in poverty-stricken rural India by providing household financing for solar home systems. The project expanded to other developing countries, including Tunisia, China, Indonesia, and Egypt.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that aspirin therapy is four times more likely to be ineffective in women compared to men with the same medical history. The researchers used a device to test platelet reactivity and found that gender was a predictor for aspirin resistance, rather than medical history.
Researchers have discovered that the anti-fungal medication itraconazole can stop the growth of new blood vessels, which is commonly seen in cancers. In mice models, treatment with itraconazole reduced blood vessel growth by 67%, providing a promising lead for cancer treatment
Researchers have identified a lack of precise methods for studying nanostructured materials' atomic arrangements, dubbed the 'nanostructure problem.' A comprehensive solution requires coordination among multiple experimental methods and theory.
A study by the New York Academy of Medicine found that many NYC pharmacies do not translate prescription labels into languages other than English, despite being able to do so. This poses a significant risk to limited-English patients who may face serious errors if they cannot understand their medication instructions.
A new study has found that the human brain is more adept at distinguishing smells than previously thought. The research demonstrates the importance of smell as a means for people to gather information from their environment and shows how the brain processes scent information.
New nanocomposites may mean more durable tooth fillings, according to scientists at NIST. The researchers' technique solves a problem with standard composite resin fillings by producing stronger and more effective restorations.
Thomas Steitz received the 2007 Gairdner International Award for his work on the structure and function of the large subunit of the ribosome, which has led to a better understanding of human disease and the development of new antibiotics. His research has also highlighted the importance of basic discoveries in medical science.
A RAND Corporation study finds that women-owned small businesses are underrepresented in more than half of industry categories when measured by total contract awards. However, their representation is not significant when measured by dollar value of contracts awarded.
Researchers at Dartmouth and UCLA discovered the last unknown enzyme in plant vitamin C synthesis, a key step in understanding how plants produce this essential nutrient. The enzyme, VTC2, is responsible for the seventh step in vitamin C synthesis, marking a significant breakthrough in the field.
The study found that strong extended family ties facilitated evacuation decisions, providing access to transportation and shelter, but also hindered it by creating conflicting opinions about evacuation messages. This highlights the importance of considering social networks in disaster planning for vulnerable communities.
Researchers found that a 15-week Tai Chi program significantly improved headache pain and overall quality of life for adults suffering from tension headaches. The exercise's emphasis on relaxation and breathing may address the underlying cause of tension headaches.
Researchers at NIST have devised a system for manipulating and positioning individual nanowires using optical microscopy and conventional photolithographic processing. They can fabricate sophisticated test structures to explore the properties of nanowires with high control, enabling the creation of elaborate structures for testing.
The cost of treating arthritis in the US has more than doubled between 1998 and 2003 due to the increasing number of people with the disease and inflation-adjusted prescription costs. Total medical care expenditures for arthritis patients increased by $88 billion annually, with estimated incremental costs reaching $81 billion.
The Healthy Heart Handbook for Women provides practical suggestions for reducing heart-related problems and includes warning signs of a heart attack. The handbook offers tips on following a nutritious eating plan, physical activity program, and quitting smoking to reduce risk factors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that zinc pyrithione, an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos, can calm overexcited nerve cells, potentially treating seizures. The compound works by allowing more potassium flow through defective channels, restoring normal nerve cell activity.
New research by CSIRO Australia suggests that climate change is enhancing the growth of shallow-water fish species, but decreasing their growth rates at greater depths. This finding has implications for the long-term viability of deep-water stocks.
A University of Houston engineer is using a new device to study the adult brain's ability to adjust and recover from injuries. The research aims to understand the level of plasticity in adult brains and potentially develop new treatments for brain damage.
Corn-based ethanol faces environmental and economic challenges, prompting scientists to explore cellulose as an alternative. Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a class of plant enzymes that can improve the efficiency of cellulose degradation, potentially making biofuel production more cost-effective.
Researchers found people taking antidepressant medications were nearly twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those not taking the medication. Depression was identified as an early symptom of Parkinson's, appearing in the year before diagnosis.
Scientists at Northwestern University developed a simple method to detect mercury using gold nanoparticles and DNA. The technique can identify mercury levels in water samples by visual inspection, offering a faster and more convenient alternative to existing detection methods.
William B. Bonvillian and David J. Goldston, two former Congressional staff members, will share the 2006 IEEE-USA Distinguished Public Service Award for their outstanding support of science and technology-related legislation and policy in the U.S. Congress. They are recognized for their work on various initiatives, including federal R&...
Scientists forecast a moderately strong or weak solar storm cycle starting in March 2008 and peaking in October 2011 or August 2012. The panel's predictions are evenly split on the intensity of the cycle, with some expecting a record-breaker.
A recent study presented at ISHLT meeting reveals that profiling gene expression can detect organ rejection in lung transplant patients. The LARGO study uses quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to identify molecular signatures associated with acute cellular rejection.
A recent study found that carbon dioxide consumed by animals and bacteria in the twilight zone is often recycled back into the atmosphere, rather than being stored in the deep ocean. This discovery adds complexity to proposals for mitigating climate change through ocean fertilization.