A study published in JCI Journals reveals that vitamin D3 production is induced by skin wounds, leading to increased expression of antimicrobial peptides and microbial recognition receptors. This mechanism helps protect the skin from harmful microbes and enhances immune response.
A recent study published in Nature found that a genetic defect in PALB2 elevates the risk of both breast and prostate cancer. The mutation was discovered in Finnish breast cancer families and was also identified in patients with prostate cancer, suggesting its potential role as a susceptibility gene for heritable cancer.
A global survey of genetic variation shows that at least 10-20% of heritable variation in gene activity is due to copy number variations (CNVs), affecting the activity of over 1,000 genes. The study provides a first genome-wide view of how unique genetic variations lead to unique patterns of gene activity.
The trial will evaluate a candidate HIV vaccine on the African continent, aiming to determine its effectiveness and potential protection against different strains of HIV. The study will enroll healthy HIV-negative males and females aged 18-35, exploring how the vaccine works in a predominantly heterosexual epidemic.
The winners of the BioMed Central Research Awards have made significant contributions to both human health and scientific understanding. Dr. Lalit Dandona's work on HIV in India reveals major differences from official estimates, while Flavio R Zolessi's research on retinal ganglion cells sheds light on neuronal differentiation.
Researchers found that herbivorous fish play a key role in coral reef recovery from bleaching events. Exclusion of these fish led to reef degradation, while their presence boosted resilience.
The NARVAL observatory, installed at the Bernard Lyot Telescope, allows scientists to study magnetic fields of stars and their impact on planetary formation. SU Aurigae's complex magnetic 'web' was observed using NARVAL and ESPaDOnS, revealing new insights into stellar evolution.
People with advanced cancer reported better quality of life when receiving spiritual support from religious communities and medical service providers. The study suggests that making a 'spiritual history' routine part of patient care can improve patients' well-being at the end of life.
Scientists have developed a new method to read brain activity patterns associated with specific thoughts, enabling the decoding of secret intentions. The technique, called multivariate pattern recognition, combines brain imaging data with sophisticated computer algorithms to predict subjects' decisions.
New research in mice suggests that reversing CaMKII inhibition alleviates Angelman syndrome neurological problems. The study identifies potential therapeutic targets for treating symptoms, and the findings may apply to other unexplained mental retardation syndromes.
Research reveals that Mexican-Americans perceive more and tougher barriers to higher education due to internal and relational factors. The study aims to understand how societal context influences student perceptions of roadblocks to achieving their goals.
Researchers at MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms have created a microfluidic device that uses bubble logic to control chemical reactions and perform process control information like a computer. The technology has the potential to revolutionize large-scale chemical analysis, synthesis, testing, and industrial production processes.
A new study from the University of Alberta reveals that community-dwelling spouses of elderly individuals in long-term care facilities are heavily involved in their partners' lives. Despite common assumptions, marriage-sustaining activities continue, such as shared hobbies and regular visits.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed mathematical models to simulate and analyze the rattling of car headrests, a major source of consumer dissatisfaction. The models can predict which vibration frequencies cause the rattling and enable automakers to tune their suspension systems more effectively.
A study published at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that endoscopic brain surgery is effective in removing life-threatening tumors in children, with minimal complications and no neurological damage. The minimally invasive approach allows for faster recovery times and a shorter hospital stay.
A randomized double-blind trial found that macrolide antibiotics increased resistance in oral streptococcal flora, with azithromycin showing a higher effect. The study highlights the ecological side-effects of antibiotics and suggests a causal link between antibiotic use and resistance.
Research by UCSD School of Medicine reveals that Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in controlling the body's innate immune response and protecting against infections. Fluctuations in vitamin D3 levels affect the healing process of skin wounds, with lower concentrations linked to increased susceptibility to infection.
A common gene variant is found to optimize brain function and improve thinking abilities, but also increases the risk of developing schizophrenia. The study suggests that this variant may have a paradoxical effect when combined with impaired prefrontal cortex function.
Researchers at UTSA's Department of Earth and Environmental Science are analyzing data collected in Antarctica to understand the impact of global warming on sea ice sheets. The team found regional increases and decreases in sea ice coverage, linked to global change in the atmosphere.
Scientists have created a quick, inexpensive, and efficient method to extract single DNA molecules and position them in nanoscale troughs or 'slits' for easy analysis and sequencing. This technology promises faster and more efficient genome analysis, potentially leading to customized DNA profiles for patients.
A Mayo Clinic study found a link between dopamine agonist medications and compulsive gambling in RLS patients. The medication-induced behavior worsened with increasing doses, but was reversible when the dose was reduced or alternative medication was used.
A new study by UC Irvine researchers found that immigrants are more likely to become US citizens when they live in states with a warm and welcoming attitude towards them. This suggests that money is not the primary motivator for naturalization, but rather a sense of community and acceptance.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a core set of 33 microRNAs that regulate adult blood-forming stem cells. These 'master switches' can be targeted to control when stem cells grow into new blood cells, offering potential for new treatments for cancer and bone marrow disorders.
A trial comparison found that COX-2 inhibitors like etoricoxib are associated with fewer upper gastrointestinal clinical events in patients with arthritis, compared to traditional NSAIDs like diclofenac. The study suggests that COX-2 inhibitors may be a safer alternative for pain management.
Researchers found that the genetic code is nearly optimal for encoding signals of any length in parallel to sequences coding for proteins. The code is also organized efficiently, halting protein synthesis when necessary to conserve energy and resources.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have uncovered the complex structure of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a central energy gauge for cells. This discovery provides crucial details about the molecule necessary for developing new therapies for diabetes and obesity.
A new study from The Wistar Institute suggests that a component of the common vitamin B3, nicotinamide, binds to sirtuin molecules and inhibits their activity. Activating these enzymes could have anti-aging effects and help counteract age-related health problems like obesity and type II diabetes.
A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery in the Movement, Adaptation, Cognition Laboratory, revealing an interaction at the cellular level between cognitive information and motor information. This finding provides a fundamental advance in understanding the physiological role of the basal ganglia and has significant imp...
Research by G. Edgar Folk and colleagues found that Arctic animals, including rodents, maintained a 24-hour cycle of rest and activity despite living in continuous light. The study suggests that these animals may be conscious of the sun's position in the sky and use it as a cue to regulate their circadian rhythm.
A robotic therapy device called HOWARD has been shown to improve hand function in stroke patients by nearly 10% and manual dexterity by 20%, enabling them to grasp and release objects more effectively. The device, developed by UCI researchers, wraps around the hand and assists patients as they initiate movement.
Researchers developed a small-molecule inhibitor of Plk1, a key kinase controlling cell division. The compound BI 2536 effectively halts cancerous cell growth in culture and in animal models, causing cell death and tumor regression. This discovery has therapeutic potential for patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancers.
The Phambili trial aims to determine the efficacy of a candidate HIV vaccine and its potential to protect against clade C subtype prevalent in South Africa. The study will enroll healthy HIV-negative men and women aged 18-35 years old.
Researchers find vitamin D3 plays a role in immune response after skin wounds, inducing expression of antimicrobial peptides. Genetic variation linked to schizophrenia may be associated with increased expression of DARPP-32, influencing brain communication.
Scientists studying hawk moths discovered the Johnston's organ, a tiny structure above the antenna, senses movement and sends signals to the brain. The antennae guide the insect's body back to correct heading through a fine-tuned mechanism.
Researchers found that Enceladus's geysers spray ice particles, creating reflective surfaces on other Saturn moons and altering their appearance. The study suggests that Enceladus's geological activity supports the possibility of liquid water beneath its surface.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a new model for discovering and evaluating anti-HIV drugs using a mouse protein called APOBEC3. The study found that APOBEC3 inhibits the infection and spread of a mouse tumor virus, providing a potential test system for evaluating human APOBEC3-based drugs.
A study of 32 African adolescents reveals long-standing HIV infection leads to stunted growth, chronic ill health and organ damage. Early testing and care can prevent this, highlighting the need for reduced barriers.
A Penn study found that only 16% of male veterans indicated zero tolerance for detainee exposure and deprivation, while 48% showed no tolerance for detainee rape. Depression and PTSD were strongly linked to increased tolerance for abuse.
A new study reveals that mice lacking a critical gene develop postpartum cardiomyopathy, a condition where prolactin-blocking drug bromocriptine reverses symptoms. The research found increased levels of cathepsin D, an enzyme that damages heart muscle, in PPCM patients.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have made a groundbreaking discovery in treating Rett syndrome, reversing symptoms in mice. By activating the MECP2 gene, they were able to eliminate breathing and mobility difficulties, leaving mice undistinguishable from healthy counterparts.
Private cord blood banking is praised as a way to increase available cells, with Richard Branson's Virgin Health Bank offering processing and storage options. The bank's dual public-private approach donates one-fifth of samples to those in need at no cost.
Researchers found that ancient Athenian rowers would have matched up well with modern-day athletes in terms of endurance. The study suggests that ancient Greeks may have had a more efficient way of rowing, or were extremely fit, to power their warships at high speeds.
Researchers at NIH have found a second genetic defect causing previously unexplained forms of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a disorder weakening bones and resulting in frequent fractures. The affected gene contains information for P3H1 protein, crucial for refining collagen to its final form.
Researchers found that newborn brain regions controlling vision and sensory information grew significantly faster than those controlling abstract thinking. Gray matter, which contains most of the neurons, grew by 40% in the first months after birth, leading to potential implications for autism research.
The ankle exoskeleton helps patients regain limb function, and users can learn to walk with it in about 30 minutes. After three days, their nervous system retained control over the device.
Researchers investigated opioid analgesic abuse and found it is more prevalent in rural areas, with teenagers increasingly affected. Spinal cord stimulation also showed significant results in managing axial low back pain associated with failed back surgery syndrome.
Scientists have successfully decoded brain patterns to determine an individual's chosen plan of action before execution, revealing a key role for the medial prefrontal cortex in reflecting mental states. This breakthrough uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to decode intentions from neural activity patterns.
Researchers have created a fly-by-sight micro-helicopter that mimics the flight capabilities of insects, including takeoff, level flight, and landing. The study reveals how insects use optic flow to maintain their position relative to the ground, providing insights into previously unexplained observations about insect flight.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a non-invasive, real-time monitoring system to predict sepsis in neonates. This technology analyzes heartbeat signals to identify characteristic patterns that indicate an impending infection. By detecting these patterns early, clinicians can initiate treatment soone...
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh successfully reversed the symptoms of Rett Syndrome in a genetic mouse model, restoring normal brain function and mobility. The study's findings, published in Science Express, have significant implications for the treatment and potential cure of autism spectrum disorders.
A new model proposes that sexual differentiation may exact a high biological cost, reducing function of mitochondria and influencing longevity. The model predicts which genes regulate life span and suggests testable hypotheses for exploring the biggest question in aging research.
A study of twins and their children found that parents' genes, rather than parental arguing, influence the development of conduct problems. The research suggests that focusing on a child's parents in family therapy may not be as effective as targeting the child themselves.
The study found that 86% of doctors feel obligated to present all options, but only 63% believe it's ethical to describe their objections. Male physicians and those who personally object to certain practices are less likely to refer patients to alternative providers.
A new study published in Child Development found that children who sleep more have lower BMI measures and are less likely to be overweight five years later. Sleeping an additional hour reduced young children's chance of being overweight from 36% to 30%, while it reduced older children's risk from 34% to 30%.
A study of 562 young students found that girls experienced more depressive symptoms and stressors than boys, particularly in their interpersonal world. The researchers discovered that exposure to stressors and the way girls reacted to these events contributed to their higher levels of depression.
The EO Lawrence Award recognizes eight scientists and engineers for their exceptional contributions in research and development. The winners, including Paul Alivisatos and Moungi Bawendi, are honored for their work in materials science, physics, life sciences, chemistry, and environmental science.
Physicists at JILA have demonstrated that a surface's warmth increases its attractive force on nearby atoms, a finding with potential implications for devices like atom chips and MEMS. By using ultracold atoms and heated glass surfaces, researchers measured the temperature dependence of the elusive Casimir-Polder force.
Researchers have discovered that two alphaproteobacteria lack the universal extra guanylate nucleotide typically found in transfer RNA molecule tRNAHis, which assists in incorporating amino acid histidine into new proteins. This finding suggests a radical departure from previously known identity rules for histidine-carrying tRNAs.
A study found that children who perceive their parents as antisocial are more likely to engage in similar behaviors. The researchers concluded that children learn antisocial behavior by observing and interpreting their parents' behavior, which provides a model for their own behavior.
A new study suggests that a common yardstick of school readiness may obscure the toll that lower income takes on ethnic minority children. Despite this, researchers found similarities across racial and ethnic groups when looking at models of how low income affects parenting and children's readiness for school.