Researchers found that antipsychotic drugs increase AMPK activity in the brain, triggering increased appetite. Blocking a specific histamine receptor reduces AMPK levels and appetite, offering hope for new, weight-neutral treatments.
A University of Houston student is working on a space suit redesign that prioritizes stability and locomotion for astronauts. Her research focuses on reducing the weight and improving the mobility of the space suit, which will enable astronauts to navigate the lunar terrain more easily.
A new study by Yale University researchers found a link between long-term marijuana smoking and respiratory complications, including obstructive lung disease. The study's findings suggest that patients should be advised of the potential negative impact on overall lung health despite methodological limitations.
Researchers at Duke University have found that lubricin helps reduce friction and maintain joint cartilage integrity, suggesting its potential as a treatment for osteoarthritis. The study used precise measurement of biomechanical properties to compare lubricin-deficient joints to normal ones.
Taking regular midday naps is linked to a lower risk of death from heart disease in Greek adults. Among working men, systematic napping for 30 minutes or more three times a week reduces the risk by 64%.
A large-scale study by Johns Hopkins University found that individuals with genetic conditions are more likely to report being denied health insurance than those with other chronic illnesses. Nearly 60% of participants believed their insurance company could access medical information without permission.
Researchers discover novel mechanism of gene-for-gene resistance in plant immune system, providing insights into enhancing crop yield and combating agricultural losses. The study reveals that the N resistance protein recognizes pathogen Avr proteins through a different region on its Toll-interleukin-1 receptor homology domain.
A recent study found that the extent of brain tissue loss and lesion load at diagnosis can predict the rate of brain atrophy over two years in MS patients. Baseline MRI variables, including brain volume and T2 lesions, are associated with subsequent brain volume change.
Atrial fibrillation affects over 2.2 million US citizens, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and stroke risk; the new Cox-maze IV procedure offers a simpler alternative to traditional surgery with fewer complications
Researchers developed a simple and accurate two-gene test that distinguishes between gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS) with near perfect accuracy. The Top Scoring Pair analysis approach has potential for wider application in individualized diagnosis and treatment of other types of cancer.
Two of Greenland's largest glaciers experienced dramatic fluctuations in melting, dumping twice as much ice into the sea in less than a year before returning to near-normal rates. The sudden changes highlight the need for more accurate computer models to understand glacial behavior and predict future sea level rise.
The Biodesign Institute is working on a $2.67 million NIH grant to develop antidotes for nerve agent poisoning. The project aims to create 'next-generation' bioscavengers using human enzymes and plant-based production methods.
A recent study by JoAndrea Hoegg and Joseph W. Alba found that the color of a drink can significantly affect how it tastes, with tint dominating taste perception over other attributes.
A study found significant disparities in colon cancer screening practices by ethnicity, sex, age, education and income level among Medicare patients. Approximately 18.3% of the sample population had been screened for colon cancer during the study period.
A novel spray drying method has been developed to preserve and deliver the most common tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, promising greater stability at room temperature and use in needle-free delivery. This technique could provide a better approach for vaccination against TB and help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in developing countries.
Archaeologists have uncovered stone 'hammers' dating back 4,300 years in the Taï rainforest, used by chimpanzees to crack nuts. The discovery confirms that some of humanity's behavioral hallmarks were inherited from a common ancestor with great apes.
Researchers discovered that people with ambivalent opinions are more susceptible to persuasion from untrustworthy sources. In contrast, individuals with strong views tend to evaluate the credibility of messages before making a decision. The study's findings highlight the influence of others on consumer attitudes.
In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, patients smoking cannabis experienced a 34 percent reduction in intense foot pain associated with HIV—twice the rate experienced by patients who smoked placebo. This study provides evidence for the therapeutic value of cannabis in managing HIV-associated sensory neuropathy.
A new technique using ozone preserves grapes while boosting healthy compounds, potentially leading to hypoallergenic wines. The method shows promise for reducing sulphite use in winemaking, which can cause allergic reactions and affect the flavor of wine.
Researchers found that people prefer waiting for monetary rewards over consumable ones due to the constant utility of money. This preference is due to inconstancy of desire for goods like beer, candy, and soda. The study has implications for savings, investments, and decision-making processes.
Researchers found that cortisol can lessen emotional impact of stress in women, with a high dose providing protective effects. The study suggests potential for cortisol as a clinical tool to treat and prevent anxiety disorders.
Researchers warn that an immuno-contraception vaccine, which aims to control wildlife populations, is not fully effective and may manipulate natural reproduction in unpredictable ways. The vaccine also raises concerns about the potential for individuals who survive the vaccine to carry infectious diseases affecting other animals.
Researchers found that green consumers face difficulties deciding which product to buy due to conflicting values and lack of information. The study identifies three types of green consumers: selectors, translators, and exceptors, highlighting the need for practical help and incentives to promote sustainable practices.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a technique to prevent cleft palates in fetal mice by injecting pregnant mothers with a small molecule. This breakthrough raises hopes that similar vaccination-type techniques may one day be used to prevent many types of human birth defects.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Broad Institute develop a practical method for screening tumors for cancer-related gene abnormalities, paving the way for personalized medicine. The technique uses high-throughput genotyping to detect important mutations in oncogenes with high accuracy and sensitivity.
Biologists at Carnegie Institution discover a new way plant cells regulate nutrient uptake through physical interaction between neighboring molecules, applicable across species. The discovery has potential applications from understanding human diseases like kidney function to engineering better crops.
A research team at Northwestern University has identified Bi-2212 as a suitable material for the new wires needed to build a 30 Tesla magnet, a significant improvement over current materials. The findings set a speed limit for high-temperature superconductivity, which could enable powerful magnets without helium cooling requirements.
Pregnant women over 40 years old are at higher risk of stillbirth due to various pregnancy complications. Fetal testing at 38 weeks gestation is most effective in reducing stillbirth rates among older women.
New research funded by the Economic & Social Research Council found that effective early childhood leadership involves distributed responsibility, skill acknowledgment, and a level of maturity within the organization. The study provides a guide for best practice in early childhood education and care.
A. Paul Alivisatos, co-editor of Nano Letters, wins the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award for his contributions to materials research and development of functional semiconducting nanocrystals, also known as quantum dots.
Researchers develop mechanism for capturing carbon dioxide from power plants and injecting it into the ground, where it will be trapped naturally. The injected gas forms a plume that rises through permeable rock, eventually breaking into small bubbles or blobs that remain safely stored.
Researchers at Yale University discovered a potential reversible cause of first-degree fetal heart block, which impairs the heart's electrical signaling. The PRIDE study found that early treatment with dexamethasone can reverse the condition, but it can progress rapidly to irreversible third-degree block.
A new study from Tufts University found that high folate status and adequate vitamin B12 levels are associated with better cognitive function in seniors. Low vitamin B12 status was linked to increased cognitive impairment, while high serum folate was more detrimental when combined with low vitamin B12.
Researchers at Tufts University have found that while older adults consume more vitamin K than younger adults, many still do not meet the recommended intake. High phylloquinone intake may be associated with better dietary habits and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, but further research is needed.
Researchers at MIT envision a future where cellulosic ethanol becomes a significant part of the US energy supply due to its abundance and favorable energy balance. Current challenges include improving plant material production per acre and fermentation efficiency.
Researchers have discovered that all Type Ia supernovae explode with the same mass and energy, making them useful for measuring distances. The brightness of supernovae depends on the amount of nickel they contain, allowing for more accurate calibration and future distance measurements.
A Phase IV study found that Kadian's extended-release mechanism is maintained even in the presence of significant amounts of alcohol. The concomitant use of tested levels of alcohol with Kadian has no significant impact on morphine blood levels or release timing.
Researchers found African-American women are three times more likely to deliver prematurely and nearly five times more likely to experience recurrent preterm births. The study analyzed data from Missouri birth statistics between 1989 and 1997, adjusting for socioeconomic factors.
Researchers found that proteorhodopsin helps bacteria supplement energy when respiration is impaired. When exposed to light, these bacteria can use solar power to carry out vital life processes.
A new benchmark study finds that timeliness is a critical factor in the success of treatment for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). The study, led by Dr. Timothy Crombleholme, highlights the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive intervention to improve survival rates. Fetal echocardiography is recommended as a crucial diagno...
Research shows African American mothers are 3 times more likely to deliver prematurely at 20-34 weeks and almost 4 times more likely to deliver extremely prematurely. Repeating premature births also occur at a significantly higher rate among African American women compared to Caucasian mothers.
Sequenom's Fetal Nucleic Acid Technology shows promise in detecting fetal DNA in maternal blood, potentially diagnosing genetic defects early in pregnancy. This approach could benefit all expectant mothers, particularly those with high-risk pregnancies.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory scientists have identified a new tumor suppressor gene, CHD5, which prevents multiple types of cancer. The gene's role in regulating the tumor-preventing power in cells suggests that modulation of its activity may provide novel strategies for better design of more effective cancer therapies.
Researchers found facial composite systems produce poor likenesses of the intended face, affecting accuracy in criminal identification. Whole-face methods show promise as a solution by utilizing holistic processing and multidimensional similarity, leading to improved results.
David Mendonça is leading a study on creativity by first responders after the 2001 World Trade Center attack and 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The analysis draws from radio communications and interviews with response personnel.
Adolescents with parents in the military experience increased stress and physiological changes during wartime, including higher blood pressure and heart rates. Researchers found that these effects were particularly pronounced in children of deployed parents.
Researchers at Oncolytics Biotech have developed a harmless virus that not only kills tumor cells but also primes the immune system to mount a powerful defense against cancer. Studies have shown that reovirus exposure can activate dendritic cells, which then educate natural killer cells and T cells to attack the tumor.
Researchers create an array of magnetic-field sensors to detect tiny magnetic spheres, which can bind with cell receptors. This technology enables rapid evaluation of potential antiviral drugs and high-precision detection of cancer biomarkers.
A French study suggests modifying therapeutic treatment for individuals with cryptococcosis based on patient sex, serotype, and fungal load. The study found that patients with a high fungal load should receive initial therapy combining two antifungals.
Researchers found that never-smokers get lung cancer more often than thought, with women even more at risk. The study tracked over 1 million people and found significant differences in lung cancer incidence rates between males and females, shedding new light on the disease.
Researchers used 3-D ultrasound to measure fetal adrenal gland size, identifying a preterm risk of delivery within five days. This method has the potential to assist clinicians in devising better therapeutic and preventive interventions for preterm birth.
Researchers discover PALB2 gene linked to increased breast cancer risk due to mutations, also found in prostate and colorectal cancers. The mutation causes impaired DNA repair leading to runaway cell growth.
A new study by the March of Dimes Foundation finds that high-dose progesterone treatment can significantly reduce the risk of preterm delivery in pregnant women who have previously experienced premature labor. The treatment appeared to prevent cervical shortening and inflammation, key factors contributing to premature birth.
A new test, Hypomanic symptom check list (HCL-32), has been validated to identify type II bipolar disorder patients. The test, which consists of 32 questions, is more precise than the Mood disorder questionnaire in identifying this underdiagnosed disease.
Researchers at Yale University developed a novel method to detect abnormal proteins in amniotic fluid, indicating a higher risk of delivering prematurely. The study found that these proteins are associated with inflammation and infection, allowing for earlier detection and treatment of neonatal infections.
A collaboration of international calculation grids analyzed nearly 80,000 potential malaria medicines per hour over 10 weeks, significantly speeding up the selection process. This approach also has implications for treating other tropical diseases and can substantially reduce the cost of developing new medicines.
Research reveals genetic variation in the DARPP-32 gene linked to improved cognitive performance and increased risk of schizophrenia. The study's findings suggest a possible genetic connection between the protein and frontostriatal brain structure and function.
A one-year, $1 million dollar grant supports research on enhancing agricultural soils' role in climate change mitigation. PNNL experts contribute basic research, biophysical modeling, and economic analysis to identify carbon sequestration strategies.
Researchers found lower transplant rates in African-Americans compared to Caucasians, even when using self-donated or relative-donated stem cells. The discrepancy may be attributed to various factors, including differences in insurance coverage, cultural attitudes, and physician biases.
Researchers have discovered a protein, GAPDH, that allows group B streptococci to colonize and cause infection in newborns. The protein modulates the immune system, increasing the risk of invasive bacterial infection.