A University of Utah study found that a mutant gene that affects nerve-cell elasticity may have contributed to spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 (SCA5), a disease previously linked to President Abraham Lincoln's family. The discovery raises the possibility that Lincoln himself may have had SCA5.
Researchers have identified a group of proteins that may play critical roles in causing blood vessel leakage in the eyes of people with diabetic retinopathy. CA-1, an enzyme normally found in red blood cells, was found to increase blood vessel leakage and swelling in both the eyes and brain.
A Johns Hopkins study found that 31% of HIV-positive patients in Uganda had HIV dementia, a rate that challenges Alzheimer's and stroke dementia globally. The condition is treatable and potentially reversible with antiretroviral medication.
Tiny airborne dust particles from Africa's desert regions can alter surface and air temperatures globally, causing a 'teleconnection' effect. Researchers found that North African dust affects the Caspian Sea and central Asia while having a cooling effect on the region.
A review of nearly 500 articles found nearly one in 1,000 people have multiple sclerosis (MS) and 67 out of 1,000 elderly Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. The study also reported a 50% drop in traumatic brain injuries and updated rates for stroke, Parkinson's disease, and childhood disorders like autism and cerebral palsy.
Researchers used gene-expression profiling to identify donors with a strong reaction against recipient cells, leading to increased risk of graft-versus-host disease. Accurate MHC haplotype matching reduced mismatching-related risks.
A new study by researchers at the University of Miami reveals that nicotine can accelerate the progression of kidney disease in smokers. Human mesangial cells were found to express nicotinic receptors, which are activated by nicotine and lead to increased cell proliferation and fibronectin production.
The number of individuals with Parkinson's disease is projected to nearly double globally by 2030, with the majority of growth occurring in developing countries in Asia. This growth will be driven by increasing life expectancy and growing economies, which will lead to increased healthcare spending and a greater burden on societies.
The American Academy of Family Physicians and American College of Physicians released new clinical practice guidelines for diagnosing and managing venous thromboembolism. The guidelines emphasize the use of clinical prediction rules, diagnostic tools like D-dimer and ultrasonography, and low-molecular weight heparin for patients with d...
Researchers at MIT found that the nanostructure of cement is responsible for its strength and durability, rather than the material itself. By understanding this organization, they aim to develop a new type of concrete with reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
The HealthGrades study reveals top hospitals have a significantly lower risk of mortality and complications compared to other hospitals. With an average 28% lower risk of mortality for certain procedures, these high-performing hospitals are setting a new standard for clinical excellence.
Jennifer Fewster, a UCF doctoral student, is studying giraffe excrement at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to understand what animals eat in the wild and improve captive nutrition. Her research could help conserve endangered herbivores by mimicking their natural landscape and food supply.
A nutrition specialist emphasizes that current approaches to treating severe malnutrition are ineffective, resulting in high mortality rates among children. Further research is necessary to develop adequate care for millions of young children affected by malnutrition.
The NHLBI has awarded 12 new contracts to the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) to investigate genetic and biological markers of common diseases in postmenopausal women. The studies will help explain hormone therapy findings and explore associations between physical activity, obesity, and inflammation with cardiovascular disease risk.
A Joslin Diabetes Center-led team identified a group of proteins that may play critical roles in causing blood vessel leakage in the eyes of people with diabetic retinopathy. One of these molecules causes retinal blood vessel leakage, contributing to swelling and vision loss.
Researchers used positron-emission tomography (PET scan) to diagnose a type of congenital hyperinsulinism, achieving an accuracy rate of 96% in locating the abnormal spot. The technology is highly effective in pinpointing focal lesions, guiding surgeons to curative organ-sparing surgery.
Researchers at UCSB's Solid State Lighting and Display Center have achieved lasing operation in nonpolar gallium nitride semiconductors, demonstrating the world's first nonpolar blue-violet laser diodes. These devices have numerous commercial applications, including high-density optical data storage for high definition displays and video.
A new research program will accelerate its work to improve African farmers' livelihoods with enhanced, drought-tolerant maize varieties. The initiative aims to reduce the impact of unpredictable rainfall and recurring drought on maize harvests, giving farmers a 25-30% yield boost.
Associate professor Ray Truant's lab has discovered molecular 'zip codes' in the huntingtin protein that dictate its location within brain cells. The research aims to redirect the mutant protein's accumulation and develop new drugs to treat Huntington's Disease.
A team of international experts, led by FSU's Dean Falk, has concluded that the 'Hobbit' is indeed a separate species closely related to Homo sapiens. The study found that the Hobbit's brain is highly evolved and unique, with advanced features distinct from microcephalic humans.
A new study found that human preferences for certain penguin species could impact their survival, with warm colors like red and yellow being more popular among humans. The research, conducted by University of Washington conservation biologist David Stokes, suggests that public opinion may play a significant role in conservation decisions.
A team of scientists led by Dr Tim Wright is studying the Ethiopian rift valley to track the movement of continents. Using satellite radar imaging and other geophysical techniques, they aim to understand how magma moves through the Earth's crust and create a 3D computer model.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a single protein, SH2B1, that plays a crucial role in controlling body weight, responding to insulin and leptin signals, and energy balance. The study found that restoring SH2B1 in brain cells corrects metabolic disorders and improves the brain's ability to regulate eating.
Scientists discover that seismic data cannot reliably map boundaries between rock units in young oceanic crust, altering views on new crust formation and life deep below the seafloor. Despite this limitation, seismic data holds keys to understanding fluid circulation and subsurface biosphere.
A study of over 2,300 individuals from 1,000 families found that family members with MS tend to have similar ages at disease onset, but not disease severity. The researchers also discovered no correlation between disease progression and severity among siblings or parents and children.
New research by Rice University scientists reveals that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) contributes to the speed of evolution, allowing life forms to adapt faster. The study proposes a mathematical model that accounts for HGT and its impact on the dynamics of evolution.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet identified a crucial role of Dll4 in blood vessel formation through angiogenesis. The study found that Dll4 signalling determines the number of sprouts and branches formed, which is essential for tissue health and disease prevention.
The Worldmapper project creates cartograms that rescale the size of territories according to various values like public health spending, malaria cases, HIV prevalence, and number of physicians. These interactive maps foster new perspectives on global health inequalities, emphasizing the need for action.
A new national research network, NETT, aims to improve treatment outcomes for neurological emergencies. The network will gather data from patients at multiple hospitals nationwide to test new treatments in real-world settings.
A new NIH-funded program co-directed by the Mailman School faculty will expedite clinical research, transforming how medical discovery is made. The center will centralize core resources for clinical researchers and enhance collaboration among scientific communities.
A novel transgenic mouse model shows that the circadian liver clock can drive gene expression in the absence of systemic cues, while systemic cues can also synchronize peripheral clocks. This suggests a complex interplay between local and systemic control mechanisms.
Children with sickle cell disease who experienced major complications such as pain and lung disease early in life are not at greater risk for stroke or death during later childhood, according to new research. Children hospitalized for chest problems early on are more likely to see those problems recur up to adulthood.
A Duke University-led team of physicists has pinpointed the critical density level where granular materials suddenly cease flowing and congeal, exhibiting a phase change analogous to freezing. The study provides unprecedented analysis detailing what happens as free-flowing grains begin to get jammed by each other.
A recent survey found that there are no easily identifiable types of formal training and experience that predict reviewer performance. The study suggests that journal editors have difficulty predicting which individuals will make good reviewers, highlighting the challenges of peer review quality.
A European study reviews various studies on risk reduction attributed to fiber and antioxidants in 100% fruit juices and whole fruits/vegetables. It concludes that pure fruit and vegetable juices are comparable in reducing risk factors for certain diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council highlights tensions between voluntary organizations supporting refugees and government funding rules. Voluntary groups resist pressures to deliver government policy, citing conflicts with client interests and potential harm to migrants.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a novel method to activate specific genes using RNA strands, which can help alleviate disease conditions. By introducing tailor-made RNA strands into cells, the researchers can nudging genes into activity, potentially treating diseases such as cancer.
Researchers from Indiana University and Regenstrief Institute are evaluating the effectiveness of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) in reducing hospitalizations and adverse consequences. ACT provides highly individualized psychiatric services to help severely mentally ill individuals live at home.
Researchers have created nanosized fluorescent labels that hold promise for studying fundamental chemical and biochemical reactions in single molecules or cells. The new DNA nanotags offer unprecedented densities of fluorescent dyes, enabling extremely bright fluorescence-based imaging and medical diagnostics.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have devised a new process that improves the efficiency of ethanol production, resulting in significant cost savings. The innovative design uses a multi-column system and energy recovery network to reduce steam consumption, leading to an 11% decrease in manufacturing costs.
A study of nearly 900 adolescents found that nearly 80% had multiple physical activity and dietary risk behaviors. Only 2% met all four health guidelines.
The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has received a $1 million grant from Intel to develop and test new technologies for monitoring cognitive function and mobility in older adults. The project aims to create innovative devices that can help prevent the loss of independence among seniors.
A recent NIH study found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive than computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing acute ischemic stroke, the most common form of stroke. This can lead to better diagnosis and treatment for patients, with potential benefits including reduced misdiagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
A recent Joslin Diabetes Center-led study has discovered that the appetite hormone melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) plays a crucial role in the growth of insulin-producing beta cells and insulin secretion. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments that stimulate beta cell growth to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
A recent study by Saint Louis University researcher Edward Weiss found that about half of Americans have a version of the FABP2 gene that affects fat metabolism, increasing their risk of developing diabetes. Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can help mitigate this risk.
A new study found that folic acid supplements can substantially reduce the risk of isolated cleft lip with or without cleft palate in babies. Researchers discovered that taking 0.4 milligrams of folic acid per day during pregnancy can lower this risk by one-third.
A new EGFR antibody shows promise in treating lung cancer by targeting activated receptors. In a mouse model, the antibody caused significant tumor regression where cetuximab failed.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that the disorderly protein p27 participates in its own destruction by dislodging a phosphate tag from CDK2, allowing it to trigger cell division. Abnormal kinases can prematurely release p27, leading to cancer.
Research by Pino G. Audia and Jack A. Goncalo suggests that successful inventors' creative output decreases over time, while collaboration and exploration goals can help manage this phenomenon. The study's findings have implications for R&D managers seeking to boost their departments' productivity.
A novel method developed by Illinois researchers allows for the visualization of individual membrane fusion events, revealing unprecedented details about this fundamental life phenomenon. The technique, based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), enables the study of SNARE-mediated membrane fusion at a single-vesicle level.
Research has found that brain damage to a specific area called the insula may help smokers quit by eliminating their addiction to nicotine. Twelve out of thirteen participants who experienced this type of damage were able to quit smoking without any reported struggles.
A new study in Current Anthropology examines the effect of genetically modified crops on farmers in Warangal District, India. The research reveals a pattern of 'agricultural deskilling' and reliance on social learning, exacerbated by the spread of Bt cotton seeds.
Stroke-unit care significantly reduces mortality and disability risk for acute stroke patients, with benefits seen across all age ranges and clinical characteristics. The study's findings support the implementation of dedicated beds and staff for stroke patients within hospitals.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have developed a 'whey-based fungal micro-factory' to combat the eastern hemlock tree's decline due to an exotic pest. The approach involves spraying a sweet whey solution with targeted fungus into infected forests, promoting self-replication and reducing pesticide use.
Researchers have identified a new variation of a platinum-nickel alloy that significantly increases oxygen-reduction catalysis on the cathode in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. This breakthrough could eliminate existing limitations and make PEM fuel cell technology more viable for transportation applications.
Researchers found that individuals with high appearance-based rejection sensitivity experience low self-esteem, neuroticism, and disordered eating habits. Self-affirmation and close relationships can buffer these negative effects, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
A new study suggests that artificial stimulation of CD28 on memory T cells can cause severe organ damage. Researchers found that activated memory T cells migrate to organs where there is no infection, leading to significant tissue harm.
Researchers found that brain damage to insula region in smokers can completely eliminate the body's urge to smoke. Damage to this structure may offer leads for new therapies to help smokers quit or monitor their progress with existing treatments.
Critically ill patients receiving early enteral nutrition had lower rates of liver dysfunction compared to those fed through central venous catheters. Early feeding was associated with reduced liver dysfunction, longer ICU stays, but no increased mortality.
Local exposure to traffic on freeways has serious adverse effects on children's lung development, with increased rates of asthma and respiratory diseases. Lung-function deficiency is related to residential exposure to traffic, particularly within 500m of a major road.