Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered that microRNAs can undergo molecular editing, redirecting them to target and silence entirely different sets of genes. This process has significant physiological consequences, such as altering the production of essential enzymes involved in synthesizing uric acid.
Recent research suggests that humans likely inhabited the Americas before the Clovis People, who have been considered the first inhabitants of the New World. The revised dates for the Clovis time period indicate a shorter duration and overlap with other sites, casting doubt on the Clovis-first model.
Inflammatory myopathies and coeliac disease may be linked, with a gluten-free diet potentially improving inclusion-body myositis symptoms. Researchers explore immunopathogenic mechanisms and genetic substrates to confirm findings.
A clinical trial enrolling over 2,700 uncircumcised men found that circumcision reduced the risk of acquiring HIV by 53% compared to uncircumcised men. The study's results suggest that circumcision can be an effective addition to other prevention and reproductive health services in sub-Saharan Africa.
Japanese scientists produce peanut-shaped nanoparticles comprising two different sulfur-containing substances, palladium sulfide and cobalt sulfide. The unique structure gives rise to different physical and chemical properties.
Researchers found that African American women are diagnosed with breast cancer at an average age of 46, compared to 57 for white women. The study proposes that the excess mortality occurs partly because black women are more likely to develop breast cancer before menopause, when surgery may pose a higher risk of stimulating cancer growth.
A trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating women co-infected with HSV-2 and HIV with anti-herpes treatment significantly reduced HIV levels in genital secretions and plasma. The results suggest a new approach to reducing sexual transmission of HIV from already infected individuals.
A new framework has been established to determine schizophrenia risk based on eye movement and attention focus. Researchers found that individuals with dilute forms of schizophrenia-like symptoms are at higher risk, even if they have never had the illness.
Researchers discovered four large subglacial lakes beneath miles of ice that contribute to the formation of fast-flowing ice streams in Antarctica. These lakes appear to lubricate the bed of the stream, facilitating ice flow and preventing the base from freezing.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have isolated a protein, caveolin-1, that enhances cell death in response to Taxol chemotherapy in breast cancer cells. The protein needs to be phosphorylated to work, and its expression level can vary depending on the type of breast cancer.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a simple electrochemical process for direct patterning of metallic interconnects and nanostructures. The S4 process uses a patterned superionic material as a stamp, etching a metallic film in a single step.
A University of Virginia study suggests that older adults are more likely to commit suggestibility errors, where they believe an event occurred when it was suggested, and have high confidence in their recollections even if wrong. This has significant implications for the reliability of older persons' eyewitness testimonies in courtrooms.
Researchers developed an experimental vaccine that reduces stillbirths among rodents born to mothers infected with cytomegalovirus, a common virus causing mental retardation and hearing loss. The vaccine was found to greatly reduce the total amount of virus in mothers' blood and mortality rates among offspring.
Researchers used a microfluidic chip to study the mating habits of yeast cells, revealing that a second MAPK plays a crucial role in the process. The findings shed new light on how cells send and receive signals from one another and from their environment.
Recent IOM recommendations lack evidence to support claims of a drug safety crisis. A new editorial questions the science behind these reforms, citing a study on the benefits of reduced approval times over safety concerns.
Researchers found that honeydew honeys have greater antioxidant properties than nectar honeys due to their high polyphenol content and other chemical characteristics. The study suggests that honeydew honeys could be a valuable source of natural antioxidants for health benefits.
A dietary supplement called poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) has been found to protect brine shrimp from infection by antibiotic-resistant Vibrio campbellii bacteria. PHB is a naturally-occurring compound that can be produced on an industrial scale, offering a potential alternative to antibiotics in the fish farming industry.
Male anole lizards adjust their visual displays to overcome background noise, enabling clear communication with rivals. The findings provide insights into the evolution of signaling strategies in these species.
Research suggests treating HSV-2 infections reduces genital and systemic levels of HIV-1 RNA, with potential implications for treatment and management of co-infections.
Scientists identified a variant of apolipoprotein C1 protein associated with higher body mass index, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes in American Indians and Mexicans. This discovery can help identify risk factors for diabetes and inform diet and lifestyle choices.
Researchers have developed an artificial lateral line that mimics the functions of the biological system found in fish, enabling submarines to detect and track moving targets and avoid collisions. The device uses micro fabricated flow sensors integrated with metal-oxide-superconductor circuitry for on-chip signal processing.
New research suggests that surgery-induced angiogenesis may contribute to the racial disparity in breast cancer mortality. In pre-menopausal women, this process can encourage tumor growth, leading to poorer outcomes. The study found a mean age of 43 for diagnosis in Nigerian women compared to 64 in the UK.
Researchers found that Gab-2 is essential for breast cancer metastasis but not initial tumor growth. The study suggests a novel mechanism for breast cancer metastasis and identifies Gab-2 as a possible new target for therapies.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that western scrub-jays plan for future food scarcity by caching food, anticipating potential shortages. This finding suggests that birds may also experience anxiety about the future, similar to humans.
A new communication protocol, SCP-MAC, has been developed to optimize energy efficiency for wireless sensor networks, reducing monitoring time from 2-3% to under 2 minutes per day. This improvement enables sensornets to watch wildlife or oilfields with longer-lasting batteries.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that western scrub-jays store food items they believe will be scarce in the future, planning accordingly. This complex behavior suggests advanced thought processes, including a sophisticated concept of past, present, and future.
A new European satellite project, Polar View, is contributing to the International Polar Year by offering real-time monitoring of polar regions. The project provides comprehensive services to over 40 international users, including government agencies and commercial interests, to help guide responses to environmental and human pressures.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that rhinoviruses, a common cause of the common cold, are associated with hospitalizations for fever and respiratory illnesses in young children. Children with asthma or a history of wheezing have a higher risk of hospitalization due to rhinovirus infection.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new method to reinforce soil by injecting bacterial cultures that convert loose sand into rock, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional chemical treatments.
Researchers at USC have developed SuperBot, a modular and multifunctional robot system that can reconfigure into different configurations for various tasks. The system consists of Lego-like autonomous robotic modules with internal and external sensors, enabling flexible bending, docking, and continuous rotation.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia are developing computerized lip-reading systems that can automatically convert video lip-motions into text. The three-year project aims to improve the accuracy of lip-reading, a skill that can be unreliable even for trained experts.
Researchers found reduced brain growth among adult alcoholic children of parents with a history of heavy drinking or alcoholism, affecting IQ scores. The study suggests genetic and environmental factors contribute to the increased risk for alcohol dependence in children of alcoholics.
Scientists at UC Irvine found that ozone-emitting air purifiers can create additional microscopic particles when used with household cleaning products, increasing harmful particulate matter levels. The researchers developed a mathematical model to predict whether an air purifier will make the air dirtier in a given indoor environment.
Researchers developed Photo Tourism software that maps multiple photos into a 3D virtual world, solving the problem of navigating large photo collections. The technology has potential for real estate, museums, hotels, archaeologists, biologists, military, and sports enthusiasts to create interactive visual representations.
New research by Rockefeller University shows that bortezomib can kill multiple myeloma cells in a way that elicits an immune response, potentially enhancing patients' immunity to tumors. The treatment works by exposing heat shock proteins on dying cells, which then activate dendritic cells to present antigens to memory and killer T cells.
Scientists have sequenced the genome of symbiotic bacteria in giant clams living near hydrothermal vents, revealing a unique chemosynthetic process that allows them to thrive in dark depths. The bacteria fix carbon and produce nutrients for the clam, similar to how chloroplasts work in photosynthesis.
A British Geological Survey project aims to alleviate poverty in Afghanistan by developing the country's mineral resources, particularly copper. The Aynak Copper Deposit, located south of Kabul, holds significant potential with estimated grades of 2.3% copper.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution's Geophysical Laboratory found a unique phase transition in vanadium crystals under high pressure, changing shape but not volume. This discovery has significant implications for superconducting materials and challenges previous theories on element stability.
Carbon nanotubes successfully deliver RNA fragments that shut off genes for HIV-specific receptors on human T-cells. This approach significantly slows down HIV infection by blocking the virus's entry points.
A new study found that a natural family planning method called symptothermal method (STM) is as effective as the contraceptive pill in preventing unplanned pregnancies when used correctly. The STM method uses two indicators to identify the fertile phase in a woman's menstrual cycle and has an unintended pregnancy rate of 0.4% per year.
A study found that childhood cancer survivors are at a higher risk of developing secondary sarcomas, such as soft tissue sarcomas and osteosarcoma, with an average latency period of 11 years after primary diagnosis. Radiation therapy is associated with this increased risk.
A new technology using nano-porous fibres has been awarded the Royal Society's Brian Mercer Award for Innovation, with early trials showing significant energy savings and potential to reduce environmental impact. The technology could be used in various industries, including beverage production and petrol filling stations.
Researchers developed a new system to monitor disease dynamics in mice infected with meningococci, offering insights into the disease's progression and potential for improved vaccines. The study found that modified bacteria lacking certain adhesins could not attach to mucous linings, providing a clearer picture of infection processes.
A long-term study at MU found that individuals from alcoholic homes retain higher levels of neuroticism and psychoticism, increasing the risk of alcohol dependency. The researchers monitored participants' personality traits over two decades, revealing a decrease in emotional stability for those with family histories of alcoholism.
A new study by the University of Arizona suggests that environmental factors can significantly impact research results. Researchers found that mice housed in enriched environments showed reduced arterial defects and less disorganized tissue compared to those in standard cages.
Edward O. Wilson's book, The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth, raises awareness of environmental issues by highlighting the common ground between science and faith. The award recognizes Wilson's contributions to promoting conservation and environmentalism through his writings.
A recent study by Case Western Reserve University found that caregivers with strong cultural beliefs and religious practices can shield themselves from mental health difficulties, however elevated cortisol levels indicate a risk of physical problems. Caregivers with stronger positive cultural beliefs about caring for elders were more l...
Research by Ellie Parker and Adrian Furnham found that viewers are less able to recall advertised products during programmes with high sexual content. Women were particularly put off by sexual content, while men recalled brands more effectively.
A new screening protocol has been identified that can detect Lynch syndrome, a disorder that increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer at a young age. The screening procedure detected mutations in 69 patients and identified at least 57 HNPCC patients who would not have been screened under current testing practices.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified 34 unique genetic variations associated with sporadic ALS, bringing them closer to developing treatments. The study scanned the entire genome of 276 subjects with ALS and found that these genetic variants are more common in individuals with the disease.
A study published in JAMA found that off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery had no effect on cognitive decline and cardiac outcomes at 5 years in low-risk patients. Cognitive decline ranged from under 5% to over 30% in the first year after CABG surgery.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a genetic signature that identifies cases of lymphoma susceptible to new molecular targeted therapy. The study found that tumors with this signature are killed by the new therapy, while those without it are resistant.
A study suggests that the majority of drug-resistant TB cases among patients undergoing treatment are caused by new infections, not acquired resistance. This finding could drive a major shift in strategy for controlling TB.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a rare genetic disease that causes chronic airway disease and affects about 1 in 15,000 children. Newborns with respiratory distress are at risk of having this condition, which can lead to persistent wheezing, cough, and recurrent infections.
Two randomized clinical trials found tamoxifen reduces ER-positive breast cancer risk by 27% and 39%. Long-term benefits persist even after stopping tamoxifen use, with reduced side effects.
Boston College biologists identify KetoCal as an effective alternative therapy for malignant brain cancer, slowing tumor growth and enhancing health in mice. The study found that KetoCal decreased tumor growth by 35-65% and improved survival rates compared to standard diets.
Local interventions, such as adding fruitflies to a population, do not affect the dynamics and stability of the fruitfly metapopulation. Computer simulations confirm that constant local perturbations have no detectable effect on metapopulation stability across various ecological scenarios.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that living in densely populated, pedestrian-friendly areas is associated with lower body mass index levels. Researchers discovered that access to public transit, proximity to commercial goods and services, and population density are inversely related to BMI levels.
A study by University of New Hampshire professor Brett Gibson found that humans and pigeons primarily rely on corners of an object to recognize it, rather than shading and color. This similarity in visual processing could lead to future technological advancements, such as small visual prosthetics for the visually impaired.
Researchers discover that pregnancy-related hormone prolactin encourages spontaneous production of myelin, a fatty substance coating nerve cells, potentially leading to treatment for MS. Prolactin therapy aims to promote repair and improve symptoms in people with MS.