Researchers have discovered that a transcription factor KLF15 controls glucose production in the liver. Mice deficient for KLF15 experience severe hypoglycemia due to an inability to produce glucose through gluconeogenesis, a process dependent on amino acids and enzymes.
A recent analysis reveals that inland water bodies are significant areas of terrestrial carbon transformation, deserving inclusion in global carbon cycle assessments. The findings show that rivers transport complex transformations of carbon, with half entering the atmosphere and 12% stored in sediments.
Research suggests that women initiating hormone therapy closer to menopause may have a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, but this effect was not statistically significant. The study found no increased risk of stroke in younger women or those with fewer years since menopause.
The researcher will receive a $400,000 grant to develop sophisticated computer models that can predict wear problems on various surfaces, including materials used in semiconductor and data storage devices. The study aims to understand how abrasive nanoparticles cause friction and surface wear, with potential applications in the product...
A 4-step process can be completed quickly and efficiently to assess potential living liver donors. Despite challenges, the process results in a significant proportion of donors undergoing successful transplantation, emphasizing the importance of careful workup and informed consent.
A recent study in Japan found partial resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors among influenza B viruses, which may have implications for treatment and prevention strategies. The emergence of these resistant variants poses a significant concern, as they can cause infections with no difference in duration or clinical outcome.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have demonstrated that injured pancreatic cells readily regenerate back into healthy acinar cells. This finding holds promise for treating cancer and inflammation of the pancreas, while shifting focus from regenerating insulin-producing beta cells.
Early-stage breast cancer patients who receive a single method of treatment, such as tamoxifen or chemotherapy, have improved survival rates. Chemotherapy shows modest yet sustained benefits in relapse-free and overall survival, particularly in younger women and those without ovarian suppression.
A rare case of hepatitis B virus transmission between two patients at a dentist's office has been documented, highlighting the need for meticulous infection control. Universal vaccination against HBV would likely have prevented both cases.
Researchers found that fruit flies' flight patterns are optimal for searching, using scale-free movement with intermittent turns. This behavior is also observed in other animals, including humans and crickets, suggesting a unified theory for finding food.
A combination of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium is more effective in treating migraine than either medication alone, with superior efficacy in headache relief and sustained pain-free response. The treatment targets multiple pathogenic mechanisms in migraine, offering advantages over single therapy.
Studies found that family dinners with TV are associated with lower fruit and vegetable consumption, while college students with higher BMI tend to choose larger food portions. These findings suggest the importance of promoting healthy meal environments and portion control among young adults.
Testicular cancer survivors have a higher risk of dying from noncancer causes, including infections and circulatory diseases. Chemotherapy treatment in the 1970s also increases this risk. Researchers highlight the need for additional long-term follow-up studies to better understand secondary complications.
A new study analyzing US nuclear reactors finds a range of electricity costs from 3 cents to 14 cents per kilowatt hour, with higher costs attributed to poor plant operation and security concerns. The study suggests that new technologies and safer reactors may not mitigate the financial risks associated with nuclear power.
A study of 31 long-term diet studies found that only a small minority of participants achieved sustained weight loss, while the majority regained weight. Exercise was found to be a key factor in maintaining weight loss, and dieting may even lead to negative health effects.
A University of Rochester study concludes that filtering white cells from donor blood before a transfusion is much safer for patients and long overdue as a national standard. The practice reduces post-surgical infection rates by 30%, saving lives and reducing costs nationwide.
In a population of bottlenose dolphins in Fiordland, New Zealand, males form complex alliances and coalitions to compete for female choice, rather than coercing females into mating. This phenomenon challenges traditional views on male-female relationships in dolphins, offering insights into the evolution of social behavior.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) established a new lecture in honor of Princess Takamatsu, recognizing Webster K. Cavenee's groundbreaking research on genetic mechanisms of cancer predisposition. Cavenee will present his inaugural lecture on April 17, highlighting the importance of collaborations in cancer research.
A retrospective analysis found patients taking risedronate (Actonel) had a lower incidence of hip fractures compared to those taking alendronate. The REAL study used a health service utilization database and provided valuable insights into the clinical effectiveness of these osteoporosis treatments.
Biomimetics applies natural adaptations to teach students about interdisciplinary research and knowledge transfer, promoting a holistic approach to science education. Researchers use biomimetic product development to integrate scientific, social, economic, and ecological aspects, increasing understanding of interconnected subjects.
Researchers have identified a protein on the inner surfaces of capillaries that delivers dietary fat to enzymes for entry into cells, revolutionizing our understanding of lipid processing. The discovery has implications for patients with chylomicronemia, a condition in which the body's ability to process dietary fat is impaired.
A study of over 5,000 soccer matches found that referees show partiality towards the home team, scoring 1.5 goals at home and 1.1 away, with crowd size increasing advantage by 0.1 goals for every additional 10,000 people.
Secondary analyses suggest that hormone therapy may have less risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) for women starting treatment close to menopause, while increasing risk is seen in older or farther-from-menopause women. Hormone therapy also increases stroke risk and breast cancer risk, even in younger women.
The Wesley Research Institute Tissue Bank has collected its first batches of cancer tissue, providing a valuable resource for researchers to study the cause, progression, and potential treatment of cancer. This step forward in cancer research is expected to lead to significant advancements in diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers used king penguins as bio-indicators to study the impact of climate change on fish availability and foraging behavior. By analyzing heart rate and energy expenditure data, scientists found correlations between energetic costs and food scarcity, providing insights into the pressure exerted by king penguins on their ecosystem.
A new study identifies a connection between allergic diseases like eczema and autoimmune diseases, suggesting that these conditions may trigger each other through immune system dysfunction. The researchers are now investigating specific triggers and exploring potential treatments, including drugs that can counter autoimmune responses.
Danishefsky's work has provided major fundamental advances in organic synthesis and impacted the treatment of cancer, with novel compounds currently in clinical trials. He is recognized as one of the world's leading chemists and a celebrated researcher, with numerous awards and honors including the Wolf Prize in Chemistry.
New study finds that PSA measurement is associated with prostate cancer prognosis but poorly predicts lethal cancer. Researchers emphasize the need for improved surveillance strategies to identify life-threatening tumors.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that a weakened rabies virus can ferry HIV-related proteins into animals, vaccinating them against an AIDS-like disease. After two years of challenge with SIV/HIV viruses, vaccinated non-human primates showed protection from disease and high CD4 cell counts.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a new protein called GPIHBP1 that plays a crucial role in breaking down fats in the bloodstream. The protein is expressed exclusively on the endothelial cells of capillaries and helps regulate the delivery of lipid nutrients to different tissues.
A recent study found that media accounts of past earthquakes, such as the M7.6 Bhuj, India earthquake of 2001, can be misleading due to a natural bias towards dramatic effects. The research compared written accounts with ground-based surveys and concluded that the media bias can be significant, particularly at stronger shaking levels.
A study published by the American Academy of Periodontology found that subjects with periodontitis exposed to secondhand smoke experienced greater bone loss than those not exposed. This highlights the devastating effects of secondhand smoke on oral health, emphasizing the importance of smoke-free environments.
A groundbreaking study found that genetic background influences the extent of young mice's gregariousness, with more socially predisposed animals seeking social interaction. The researchers also identified associations between mouse vocalizations and the nature of their social interactions.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is honoring world-class cancer researchers who have made significant contributions to the fight against cancer. The winners of the 2007 AACR research achievement awards include Dr. Janet S. Butel, Dr. Harold P. Freeman, and Dr. Alexander Varshavsky.
Research reveals lead exposure reduces new neuron birth and survival, and alters their development in the hippocampus, a crucial region for learning and memory. This impairment affects the formation of new connections between neurons, leading to decreased communication and learning abilities.
The American College of Physicians recommends that mammography screening decisions be made on a case-by-case basis, considering each woman's individual cancer risk and preference. The new guidelines acknowledge the benefits and harms of screening, recommending periodic assessment of breast cancer risk to inform decision-making.
Following FDA warnings on suicidal behavior risks, antidepressant prescriptions among children and teens decreased from 2003 to 2005. Psychiatrists became the primary prescribers for this age group, replacing primary care physicians.
Lee Lynd's work on converting cellulosic biomass into ethanol has the potential to significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption. His consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) approach is a breakthrough in low-cost processing and could lead to a sustainable energy future.
The University of Rochester Medical Center has been awarded a $26 million contract to establish the New York Influenza Center of Excellence, one of six nationwide centers focused on improving flu research. The center aims to develop more effective vaccines against seasonal influenza and future pandemics.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that biofeedback treatment can correct bowel function in nearly 80% of patients with dyssynergic defecation. The study compared biofeedback to standard treatment of laxatives, diet, and exercise, and found that biofeedback was significantly more effective in improving muscle function.
Associate Professor Mazza aims to work with GPs to increase folate supplementation, which can prevent 70% of NTD cases. The project will also develop patient-focused education material to address the gap between evidence and practice.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks will collect and test over 8,000 samples from Alaska and Russia to understand the genetic changes of flu viruses and their success in animal hosts. The research aims to develop new knowledge on the ecology of the influenza virus and its impact on bird populations.
The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) is a national online autism registry launched by Kennedy Krieger Institute to accelerate autism research. IAN connects parents of children with autism to local and national research studies, collecting valuable data and facilitating the search for causes, treatments, and a cure.
A Joslin-led study identified insulin receptors as crucial for promoting beta cell growth, a potential target for treating type 2 diabetes. The research found that mice lacking insulin receptors failed to grow more islet cells, highlighting the importance of insulin receptors in overcoming insulin resistance.
A team of researchers led by Jennifer Hutchings will spend two weeks studying the relationship between ice movement, stress, and sea ice mass in the Beaufort Sea. The goal is to validate current sea ice models and reduce uncertainty in predicting arctic climate change.
Donald Metcalf is recognized for his groundbreaking research on blood cell formation and colony-stimulating factors, which revolutionized cancer treatment. His work led to the development of therapies accelerating hematopoietic regeneration in patients, reducing infection risk and shortening hospital stays.
A new study found that less than a quarter of US child and adolescent psychiatrists screen for dating violence, despite its common occurrence among teens. The authors emphasize the importance of clinicians taking the lead in discussing romantic relationships to identify potential abuse.
Researchers found a single pathway that channels distress signals from chloroplasts to the nucleus in plants, enabling the activation or deactivation of certain genes. This 'master switch' could lead to new generations of plants with improved drought and stress tolerance.
Younger siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders show weaker performance in non-verbal problem-solving and social-communication interactions at 12 months. The broader autism phenotype may represent an early sign of developmental problems.
Engineers at Purdue University developed a theoretical design for an optical cloaking device that guides light around objects, making them invisible. The device works only for specific wavelengths and has limitations, but the researchers believe it's possible to create a cloak for all colors of visible light.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto have developed a non-invasive screening test to detect placental damage in high-risk pregnancies. The test, which combines ultrasound and blood tests, can identify abnormal placental function at 16-23 weeks gestation, allowing for early intervention and improved pregnancy outcomes.
A new study reveals that recent declines in breast cancer mortality rates have been most significant among women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors and women younger than 70. These groups experienced a 38% decline in mortality from breast cancer, compared to a 19% decline for ER-negative tumors.
A new blood test can rapidly detect levels of radiation exposure, enabling timely treatment for potentially life-saving. The test analyzes thousands of genes to identify distinct genomic signatures reflecting varying radiation doses.
Emerging genetic research may help identify children with autism at a younger age, potentially treatable. Behavioral interventions are becoming increasingly sophisticated and effective for young children with autism.
A study of 108 individuals with a HNF4A mutation found an average increase in birthweight of 790g, with over half of the babies classified as macrosomic. Low blood-sugar levels at birth were also more common in these infants.
Researchers have created a building block made almost entirely of recycled glass, metal slag, and other waste products, aiming to revolutionize the construction industry. The 'Bitublock' is estimated to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% and use an estimated 400,000 tonnes of crushed glass annually.
The National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS) has awarded six Fellowships to support the development of experts and leaders in evidence implementation. The fellows will work on projects addressing gaps between evidence and practice in areas such as stroke rehabilitation, mental health, and Indigenous health.
A £9.5 million European Union-funded project will build a self-healing house in Greece with unique walls that contain wireless sensors and can repair cracks using nano polymer particles. The system aims to alert residents straight away if there are any problems, potentially saving lives.
The American College of Physicians released a guideline for mammography screening in women between ages 40 and 49, emphasizing the need for individualized decision-making based on risk factors. The guidelines also highlight the uncertainty surrounding long-term effects of false-positive screening results on women's behavior.
Fatal poisonings involving paracetamol fell after the UK introduced regulations restricting tablet sizes. However, new research suggests this decrease might not be directly attributed to the law change, as overall poisoning deaths also dropped during the same period.