Researchers at CSIRO have found the genetic mutations that occurred thousands of years ago to give us white grapes. They discovered two genes involved in grape color that were mutated in white varieties, leading to over 3000 different white grape cultivars.
A study found that white adolescents with high exposure to R-rated movies and unsupervised television viewing are more likely to start smoking. However, this association was not seen in black adolescents, who were equally likely to initiate smoking regardless of media exposure. The reasons for these racial differences are unclear.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed an advanced concept in nanoscale catalyst engineering, improving polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells for hydrogen-powered vehicles. The study identified a clear trend in the behavior of extended and nanoscale surfaces of platinum-bimetallic alloy.
Researchers have identified several genes involved in Alzheimer's disease development, with the GALP gene showing potential in reducing brain cell tangles, a hallmark of the disease. The study, which tested over 17,000 gene variants in 4,000 volunteers, aims to provide a knowledge base for new treatments and diagnostic tests.
A new study finds that reading violent scriptures increases aggressive behavior, especially among believers. The study, led by University of Michigan social psychologist Brad Bushman, found that participants who read passages from the Bible exhibited increased aggression when told that God had sanctioned their actions.
A study published in Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that children under ongoing family stress have more fevers with illness than other children. Interestingly, the immune system's natural killer cell function in these children also increases, unlike adults who experience decreased function.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Pili (MTP), a virulence factor produced by tuberculosis bacteria during human infection. This finding suggests MTP could be a promising TB-vaccine candidate, addressing the need for more effective immunization strategies against this devastating disease.
Anxiety disorders are common in primary care settings, affecting nearly 20% of patients, with many untreated. Internists perform fewer procedures than in 1986, with a significant decrease in varied procedures. Annals of Internal Medicine launches a reproducible research initiative to improve data sharing.
A study by Michigan State University found that BMI does not accurately reflect body fat percentage in most cases, particularly among athletes and younger individuals. Researchers suggest reevaluating BMI cutoff points for different age groups and fitness levels to improve its accuracy as a fat indicator.
The Templeton-Cambridge Journalism Fellowships program brings together a diverse group of journalists to examine the intersection of science and religion. The 2007 fellows will engage in independent research, seminars, and discussions with prominent experts at the University of Cambridge.
The study identifies centrosome asymmetry as a key regulator of asymmetric stem cell division, ensuring the correct differential identity of resulting cells. This complex behavior is precisely regulated, coinciding with the orientation in which the stem cell must divide to guarantee asymmetry.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that higher body mass index scores in girls as young as age 3 and large increases in BMI between ages 3 and first grade are associated with earlier puberty. The study suggests that childhood obesity may contribute to an earlier onset of puberty in girls.
Researchers at NIAID have discovered a protein that appears to regulate bone mass loss, which is a key factor in osteoporosis. The study, conducted on patients with X-linked Hyper IgM Syndrome, found that the loss of this protein accelerates bone loss.
The AEGIS survey provides a unique combination of deep, intensive observations over a wide area, yielding large samples even of rare types of galaxies. The study reveals a time when galaxies were starting to reach maturity, with high star formation rates and powerful black holes at their centers.
A study published in PNAS reveals that genes of human and chimpanzee underwent a rigorous two-step filtering process, with radical mutations more harshly screened. The researchers estimated that around 10-12% of genetic changes between humans and chimpanzees are adaptive, with most responsible for significant evolutionary divergence.
Researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine discovered a significant link between stress levels and acne severity in teenagers. The study, involving 94 adolescents from Singapore, found that high-stress teens were 23% more likely to have increased acne severity, with no correlation to sebum production.
Researchers recorded activity in two brain regions during deep sleep, finding a complex 'dialogue' between the hippocampus and neocortex. The findings suggest that the neocortex drives communication during sleep, contradicting previous theories of hippocampal control.
Researchers argue that bone quality is a flawed concept due to lack of precise definition and established measurement methods. The idea was initially proposed as a solution to explain the paradox of osteoporosis, but ultimately relies on increasing whole bone strength rather than targeting specific 'bone quality' features.
A 52-year-old woman presented to an ear, nose, and throat doctor with a hoarse voice and tingling in the hand. After a 3-year history of right-sided facial pain and a brain scan showing a small pituitary gland cyst, she was diagnosed with a rare condition. The authors discuss their approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Mothers with breast cancer who experience depression may see their children's anxiety levels rise, particularly regarding family-related concerns. The study suggests that healthcare providers should look for signs of depression in patients to improve the mental well-being of families affected by breast cancer.
Scientists have developed a deconvolution algorithm that improves the resolution of Single Plane Illumination Microscope (SPIM) images. This advancement provides new opportunities for studying sub-cellular processes in large living specimens.
Researchers found that when cowbird eggs were removed from warbler nests, the nests were ransacked 56% of the time, but only 6% when the eggs were accepted. This suggests that cowbirds engage in 'mafia' behavior to encourage hosts to raise their young.
A new US study found that nearly four out of five hospitalized children receive medications approved for adults, highlighting the need for further research on pediatric drug approval. The study also revealed that children who undergo surgery or have severe illnesses are more likely to receive off-label drugs.
Inadequate intellectual stimulation and poor nutrition are likely causes of poor development in over 200 million children. The study found that stunting, malaria, maternal depression, and toxic substance exposure can also hinder child development.
Researchers discovered that male wasp spiders use a 'chastity belt' mechanism to block their female partner's sexual orifice during copulation, preventing offspring from other males. The detached genital tip plugs the orifice securely, impeding further copulation.
A study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that early HIV infections account for nearly half of all transmission occurrences. Early infection is characterized by a high viral load, making newly infected individuals highly infectious.
A new drug delivery method developed by UBC researcher Kishor M. Wasan has shown promising results in treating devastating fungal infections, including candidemia and aspergillosis, with minimal toxic side effects compared to traditional intravenous administration.
A study published in Pediatrics confirms the effectiveness of MMR and chicken pox vaccines in extremely preterm infants, contradicting previous concerns about their immune systems. The study found that both term and preterm infants reached a level of immunity considered protective against these diseases.
Epidural steroid injections provide small but temporary pain relief for lower back pain radiating down a leg. Long-term pain relief beyond three months is not guaranteed.
A study found that children aged 4-7 in states with booster seat laws were 39% more likely to be properly restrained than those in states without such laws. Booster seat use increased significantly between 1999 and 2004, especially among 4-5 year olds.
A team of geologists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute used a new technique to determine that a massive injection of hot magma likely triggered the eruption. The study sheds light on what causes large-scale volcanic eruptions and could help predict future eruptions.
Research suggests that low birth weight may be linked to an increased risk of depression in teenage girls, with 38.1% experiencing at least one episode of depression between ages 13 and 16. In contrast, no significant association was found for boys.
A new study at Cornell University has imaged 'electronic gridlock' in certain copper oxides, revealing patterns of alternating high- and low-charge density. The research uses a scanning tunneling microscope to image electronic states, showing that holes are centered on oxygen atoms within the Cu-O-Cu bond.
A study of 279 torture survivors found that psychological manipulation, deprivation, and humiliation caused as much distress as physical torture. The researchers concluded that the distinction between torture and other forms of maltreatment is not only useless but also dangerous.
University of Iowa researchers have discovered new genetic mutations associated with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate, a common form of the condition. The findings may eventually help clinicians predict a family's risk of having more children with the condition.
Research reveals that depression is more likely to be severe, untreated, and disabling among black populations compared to white populations. The study found that nearly two-thirds of African Americans and Caribbean blacks experience depression in the previous 12 months, with many receiving inadequate treatment.
In response to criticisms of the Trial of Preventing Hypertension (TROPHY) study, investigators defend the work against claims of biased design. Experts argue over interpretation of data, including a change in hypertension definition and handling of home blood pressure measurements.
Researchers found that a single gene, vitellogenin, plays a crucial role in coordinating the social life of honeybees. The study showed that vitellogenin regulates workers' division of labor, foraging preferences, and lifespan, with higher levels favoring pollen collection and lower levels favoring nectar collection.
A recent study by Joslin researchers has identified the glucose transporter 2 (Glut2) protein as a key contributor to the development of birth defects in children born to mothers with diabetes. Glut2 enables high blood glucose levels to enter embryonic cells, increasing the risk of malformations.
Susan Murcott, an MIT engineer, collaborates with people from developed and developing countries to solve humanitarian problems. Her co-evolutionary engineering design approach ensures sustainable, affordable, and safe drinking water solutions.
Research suggests that out-of-body experiences can occur during both sleep-wake transitions and near-death experiences, possibly due to brain arousal system disturbances. The study found a strong association between sleep paralysis and out-of-body experiences in near-death experience subjects.
Researchers have created miniature lab ice spikes that resemble natural penitentes on glaciers, which could help block sunlight and slow melting. The study's findings suggest that adding a small layer of dirt to glacier surfaces may preserve them, providing a potential solution for global warming.
The rate of bariatric surgeries among adolescents more than tripled between 2000 and 2003, with only 771 teens undergoing the procedure in 2003. Most obese teens are still treated through diet and behavioral methods, but health problems related to weight make surgery an increasingly considered option.
A recent study published in Pediatrics has found that repeated courses of steroids in preterm labor do not harm the babies' brains, contrary to previous concerns. The treatment may still hold promise for helping fragile babies breathe on their own and reducing the risk of respiratory complications.
Researchers found that tooth-brushing can induce seizures in individuals with epilepsy, possibly linked to lesions in the somatosensory area of the brain. The study suggests a potential link between rhythmic stimuli and seizure activity.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a technique to convert unsaturated oils in temperate plants to tropical-like oils with higher saturated fatty acid levels. This can lead to the production of renewable feedstocks for industrial processes and more healthful nutrition.
Researchers found that flavonoids are poorly absorbed by the body and rapidly metabolized, unlike vitamins C and E. However, they can influence cell signaling pathways and gene expression, potentially preventing cancer and heart disease. A moderate intake of flavonoids from fruits and vegetables may be sufficient.
A Texas A&M University researcher has found that severe pollution from China and India is intensifying storm tracks over the Pacific Ocean, leading to more frequent and severe weather events worldwide. The study suggests a direct link between human-made pollution and climate change.
Researchers reconstructed the H5N1 avian flu virus's history over the past decade, tracing its origins in Guangdong province and spread across Eurasia. The study provides a roadmap for health officials to limit the virus's spread by targeting specific strains and regions.
A new study reviews recent research suggesting that adaptation to changing life circumstances is not as universal as previously thought. The study found that people adapt quickly to marriage, but take longer to recover from divorce or unemployment. Additionally, individual differences play a significant role in adapting to life events.
Researchers at Yale University have identified triptolide, a compound from Traditional Chinese Medicines, as a potential drug for treating polycystic kidney disease. The study shows that triptolide causes cell growth arrest and reduces cyst formation in mouse models of the disease.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic are testing an engineered measles virus against multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow with no cure. The study aims to exploit the protein CD46 to target and kill cancer cells.
Howard C. Berg, a pioneer in single molecule biology, has been awarded the Biophysical Society's Single Molecule Biophysics Award for his groundbreaking research on flagellated bacteria and fundamental cellular processes.
A University of Alberta study reveals that tundra treelines are advancing at a faster pace than previously thought, leading to significant changes in vegetation and habitat loss. The researchers found that warmer temperatures triggered an 'upslope surge' of trees, forcing out native species and altering the landscape.
A recent study found that caloric restriction can reduce oxidative damage in muscle cells and improve mitochondrial function. The researchers discovered that limiting calorie intake without malnutrition can slow aging and delay the onset of age-related diseases.
A recent study found that nearly a quarter of women over 65 have experienced physical, sexual, or psychological abuse at the hands of their spouse or intimate partner. The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to screen women for domestic violence, as many cases go unreported.
Researchers use a new technique to analyze rainfall trends, finding systematic patterns in heavy and light rain, but no consistent trend in moderate rain. The study resolves the challenge of detecting long-term global rainfall trends, providing insight into climate change's impact on weather events.
A case report suggests that light streaming through whirling helicopter rotor blades during medical air transport can cause symptoms ranging from nausea to full-blown seizures. Researchers recommend shielding patients' eyes to prevent this under-recognized but highly preventable complication.
The Emory Global Health Institute is collaborating with the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in India to combat the deadly HIV/TB co-infection. The partnership aims to develop a therapeutic vaccine for individuals already infected, addressing a major public health concern.
Professor Ian Frazer, a renowned cancer vaccine innovator, has been awarded the prestigious Florey Medal for his groundbreaking work on cervical cancer prevention. The award recognizes the significant public health impact of his research, which aims to control cervical cancer rates in developing countries.