A new study by Stanford University atmospheric scientist Mark Z. Jacobson found that ethanol-fueled vehicles increase ozone-related mortalities in the US by about 200 deaths per year compared to gasoline. Nationwide, E85 is likely to increase asthma-related emergency room visits and respiratory-related hospitalizations.
Researchers pinpointed brain regions critical to piecing together a continuous view of the world. By using an illusion known as boundary extension, they found two brain areas involved in extrapolating scenes and integrating discrete samples of surrounding space.
A study published in Neuron reveals that genetic mutations in SHP-2 lead to an imbalance in brain cell development, resulting in mental retardation. The researchers found that the mutation causes neurons to overgrow and inhibits glial cell formation, disrupting neural balance.
Researchers at the Ames Laboratory have discovered a new family of zinc compounds that can be tuned to exhibit physical properties similar to other materials. These compounds, which are over 85% zinc, display extraordinary tunability, allowing scientists to study magnetism and potentially create superconducting materials.
A daily dose of adult-strength aspirin was associated with a moderate decreased cancer risk, particularly for colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers. However, the effect on other types of cancer was not significant.
A new study documents estrogenic activity in fish caught in Pittsburgh's rivers, suggesting feminizing chemicals from industrial and municipal wastes. The findings demonstrate the potential health risks of consuming river-caught fish, particularly for endocrine-mediated health endpoints like some cancers and developmental problems.
Researchers developed a combined imaging method using three microscopic techniques to study the molecular mechanisms of multiple sclerosis. The technique enables the analysis of living tissue, revealing details about astroglial filaments and myelin sheath degradation, which could lead to earlier detection and new treatments.
Chemists at UCSD develop a device that captures sunlight, converts it to electrical energy, and splits carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen. This process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, produce industrial chemicals, and save fuel.
A study by UC Irvine scientists found that diets rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can help prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease later in life. Mice given a DHA-rich diet showed lower levels of tau and beta amyloid, proteins associated with neurofibrillary tangles and plaques.
Climate model simulations indicate a robust increase in wind shear in the tropical Atlantic, which could counteract global warming's effects on hurricane intensity. The study suggests that increased wind shear may inhibit both hurricane development and intensification.
Research suggests that phytochemicals in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and watercress, can stop human prostate cancer cells from growing and inhibit the formation of blood vessels that feed tumors. This study provides promising preliminary evidence for the potential anti-cancer properties of these vegetables.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon scientists found that a mouse brain can significantly compensate when limited to sensing the world through one whisker. The results provide new understanding of brain adaptability in response to sensory deprivation, which can be applied to stroke or traumatic brain injury treatment.
The AACR-FDA-NCI Cancer Biomarkers Collaborative aims to integrate predictive biomarkers into clinical trials, addressing the translation of cancer knowledge into medical practice. The collaborative will develop guidelines for biomarker validation, informing policies as part of the FDA's Critical Path Initiative.
Scientists have developed a novel technique for in vivo imaging of neuronal function using bioluminescence, enabling the monitoring of calcium activity in neurons or the brain as a whole. This approach has been validated by recording neurons in the ellipsoid body and demonstrates its sensitivity and ability to study all brain structures.
Research shows that influenza epidemics are associated with a rise in deaths from heart disease and flu can trigger heart attacks. The study highlights the importance of increasing vaccination rates in people at risk of coronary heart disease.
Researchers found that sleep enforces the temporal sequence in memories by replaying experiences in a forward direction. This process enhances word recall when students were asked to reproduce learned words in the correct order.
A novel cell culture technique could lead to the discovery of new drugs for preventing DCIS recurrence or progression. Breast cancer cells expressing a shortened form of the HER2 gene can be treated with lapatinib, but are resistant to trastuzumab.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have successfully delivered a cancer-suppressing gene into tumors of stage 4 lung cancer patients via an intravenously administered lipid nanoparticle. The gene, FUS1, was found to be active in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer tumors.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a breast cancer vaccine that successfully stimulated an anti-tumor T cell response in female mouse models, slowing or stopping the progression of breast cancer. The vaccine's effectiveness was achieved by combining synthetic peptides with a Toll-like receptor stimulant and anti-CD25 antibodies.
The Adaptive Scanning Optical Microscope (ASOM) eliminates traditional trade-offs between magnification and field of view, providing 40mm diameter field of view with consistent resolution. This technology enables faster imaging and reduces visual distortions.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts have found that nanoparticles can cause DNA damage in breast cancer cells, increasing the risk of cancer. The study suggests that smaller particles are more likely to enter cells and cause toxicity, highlighting the need for further research on nanoparticle safety.
The need for accurate measurement of airborne nanomaterials exposure is critical for protecting workers' health in nanotechnology-related jobs. Current approaches are insufficient, and further research is required to identify effective monitoring methods.
A review of studies indicates antidepressants may be effective for treating depression and anxiety in children and teens, despite increased risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts. The benefits appear to outweigh the risks, supporting cautious use of these medications as a first-line treatment option.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that mice withdrawn from high-fat diets became anxious and showed increased stress levels. Researchers also observed risk-taking behavior in the mice as they sought out their preferred diet.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that prazosin significantly reduced trauma nightmares, improved sleep quality, and enhanced overall clinical condition in chronic PTSD patients. The study involved 40 veterans with PTSD, who showed a 71% improvement rate compared to those receiving placebo.
A study found that large, for-profit dialysis facilities administer higher doses of epoetin to treat anemia in patients with kidney disease compared to nonprofit facilities. Facility ownership and chain status have a strong impact on epoetin dosing practice patterns.
A randomized controlled trial of high-risk gastric cancer patients showed no significant difference in survival between two treatment groups. The five-year survival rate was around 50%, higher than previous studies, suggesting that the quality of surgery and potential toxicity of postoperative chemotherapy may be factors.
New cancer vaccine studies are making progress in developing vaccines that can attack cancerous cells by stimulating the immune system. Researchers have found that a human papillomavirus vaccine continues to protect against HPV types 16 and 18, as well as other related viruses, with significant cross-protection.
Researchers found that stem cells can induce a protective effect in brain tissue damaged by stroke, reducing ischemic injury. The study reveals that microglia cells also play a protective role in this reaction.
A new study found that antidepressants are effective in treating pediatric major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders, with a lower risk of suicidal thoughts compared to FDA estimates. The study suggests antidepressants should be considered as first-line treatment options for children under 19.
A molecule designed by a Purdue University researcher could prevent the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain, a key step in Alzheimer's disease. The new compound targets memapsin 2, an enzyme involved in plaque development, and has shown promising results in reducing beta-amyloid levels.
A study from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that triphala extracts can prevent or slow pancreatic cancer tumor growth in mice by inducing apoptosis. The herb was shown to activate tumor-suppressor genes, supporting the generation of proteins that promote cell death in cancer cells.
A new pancreatic cancer vaccine has successfully stalled disease progression in a handful of patients three years post-vaccination, offering new insights into how the vaccine could be made more effective. The study found that the vaccine triggered an active immune response and slowed down cancer growth in four patients.
A study found that nearly a third of cancer patients take at least one medication that can cause serious harm or interact with other medications, including anticancer treatments. The most common interactions involve warfarin and anticonvulsants, posing significant risks to patients with brain tumors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new series of potent synthetic drugs modeled on an ancient Chinese herbal folk remedy that cure malaria-infected mice with a single shot. The compounds, containing a crucial oxygen-oxygen unit, promise to be more effective and potentially safer than current treatments.
Researchers have identified gene expression signatures that can predict how individuals will respond to certain breast cancer drugs. These biomarkers could aid in tailoring treatments for women and identifying similar biomarkers for other types of cancer. A 'systems' approach suggests prioritizing experimental medicines for specific ca...
Researchers are developing gene therapies that can target and kill cancer cells, while also exploring the use of viruses and other natural systems to design new cancer treatments. Studies have shown promising results in animal models, including a novel gene therapy approach that eradicates aggressive prostate cancer.
Researchers developed a robust time estimation method, resolving discrepancies between paleontological and molecular studies on placental mammal evolution. The revised estimate places the root of placental mammals at 84 million years ago, aligning with fossil records and traditional morphological views.
A University of Georgia study found that giving commonly prescribed blood pressure medications within 24 hours of a stroke can significantly reduce brain damage. The finding may revolutionize emergency stroke care by adding these medications to clot-busting and blood thinners as front-line treatments.
The research group has successfully isolated and characterized enterocin AS-48, a protein substance with antimicrobial activity produced by Enterococcus faecalis S-48. The findings suggest that AS-48 could have medium-term use as a food biopreservative, providing a potential innovative solution for food preservation.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered that hemifusion, a critical step in membrane fusion, allows vesicles to share membranes without releasing their contents. This stable state enables the rapid delivery of drugs to target cells by controlling the timing of fusion.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have developed a novel vaccine strategy targeting mutated p53 protein peptides to activate the immune system against tumors. This approach has shown promising results in animal models and human cells in culture, and a phase I clinical trial is currently underway.
Scientists at Mayo Clinic have isolated an enzyme called SULF2, which appears to be overexpressed in nasopharyngeal cancers. High levels of SULF2 are associated with increased risk of early recurrence and death within 10 years after radiation therapy.
Researchers developed a device to concentrate and separate bacteria using electric currents, suitable for miniaturized medical diagnostics. The method, based on pH changes, can be used to separate living and dead cells or bacteria with different motility, offering new applications in biotechnology.
The study, known as CLAMS, examines ecological, economic, and social consequences of forest policies in the Coast Range. The research found that maintaining current policies will lead to increased old-growth forests and habitat for old-forest species, but may result in declines in diverse early-successional and hardwood forests.
A new study suggests that antibiotic therapy for diabetic foot infections can be predicted using specific laboratory and clinical tests. The study found that deep wounds or high white blood cell counts significantly increased the risk of bad outcomes.
The Medusa hydrothermal vent field, discovered off Costa Rica, features hot iron-darkened water attracting unusual marine life. Researchers have found pink jellyfish, spiky tubeworm casings, and heat-tolerant organisms thriving in extreme conditions.
A novel video-imaging system reveals that slow component-b proteins, involved in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, exhibit rapid bursts of movement followed by pauses. Multiple slow proteins are also transported together as 'packets,' piggy-backing on molecular motors, suggesting a potential carpooling mechanism.
A meta-analysis of 27 major studies found antidepressants effective in treating anxiety, OCD, and depression in children and adolescents. The study suggests that while there is a small risk of suicidal thoughts, it is outweighed by the benefits of treatment.
Women who delayed first-time pregnancy after age 25 can reduce their breast cancer risk through breastfeeding, a new study suggests. The research found that breastfeeding has a protective effect against both estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive and negative tumors.
Researchers can access library resources seamlessly via LibX, a Firefox browser extension developed by Annette Bailey and Godmar Back. The tool has been adopted by 46 academic libraries and 83 testing libraries, enhancing user experience.
Researchers are setting up observatories to examine changes under the Arctic ice cap, investigating water properties in the upper layers of the Arctic Ocean. The goal is to understand annual change and measure mechanisms that lead to ice melting from below.
A phase III trial of darbepoetin alfa found that the drug did not reduce blood transfusion risk in non-chemotherapy patients, but increased overall patient mortality. Patients with certain types of cancer saw better survival outcomes when treated with the drug.
A large cross-sectional survey found that frequent consumption of cured meats is associated with lower lung function test scores and increased odds of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study suggests that high dietary nitrite intake may be a novel risk factor for COPD.
Research suggests a possible association between childhood obesity and otitis media with effusion, characterized by fluid buildup in the middle ear space. The study found higher body mass index (BMI) and total cholesterol levels among children with otitis media with effusion compared to those without the condition.
A defect in one copy of the EGR2 gene disrupts myelin production, leading to peripheral neuropathy. Researchers have deciphered a key sequence essential to myelin assembly, paving the way for new therapies.
Researchers found brain structure changes in people who developed dementia or Alzheimer's disease up to four years before memory loss began. Those destined for MCI had lower cognitive test scores at the start of the study, even within normal ranges.
A 20-year study reveals a significant rise in childhood obesity, especially among girls, with four-year-olds being six times more likely to have a BMI over 30 than their counterparts 20 years ago. Young girls are also more likely to be overweight or obese than boys, with nearly a third of ten-year-old girls having a BMI over 25.
Scientists have discovered that earthquake-induced gravity field changes can slowly recover to initial conditions, possibly due to simultaneous diffusion of mantle water. This self-healing system could significantly reduce permanent shifts in the Earth's rotation axis by earthquakes. Meanwhile, recent trends in Arctic Ocean mass distri...
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire are setting the winter flounder fishery on the fast track to recovery through stock enhancement. The study found that hatchery-raised fish must be as fit as wild fish to ensure success, and acclimatization cages can help reduce vulnerability to predators.