Researchers at Rice University have identified a naturally occurring blood protein called serum amyloid P, or SAP, which prevents the formation of life-threatening scar tissue in fibrotic diseases. The discovery has promising results in lab animal tests and could eventually save thousands of lives with human clinical trials.
A study of internationally adopted children sheds new light on infant language development, showing that older children follow the same stages as infants when learning a new language. This challenges traditional theories and suggests that these stages are side effects of the processes children use to learn words and grammar.
Researchers discovered that bumblebee workers specialize in tasks such as incubating young and fanning wings to cool the nest. The study found strong evidence for job specialization, with larger bees taking on foraging tasks, and smaller bees performing temperature-regulation duties.
Researchers analyzed interaction between individual raindrops and soil particles, dispelling a 50-year-old misconception about how rain-splash transport works. The study provides a theoretical model for the transfer of momentum carried by raindrops to sand grains.
Researchers will study anal intercourse, rectal microbicides, and social networks to better understand HIV transmission. The findings will contribute to the development of prevention technologies that can be used by those engaging in anal intercourse.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in molecular technology that could help deliver life-saving drugs directly to cancer-ridden cells. The discovery involves attaching therapeutic drugs to molecules using tiny molecules that can travel through the bloodstream.
Researchers found that tumor cells treated with agents inducing apoptosis were more likely to undergo autophagy when p53 expression was inhibited. Inhibiting autophagy increased the effectiveness of chemotherapy and delayed tumor recurrence in mouse models.
Researchers confirm that tobacco manufacturers have steadily increased the levels of nicotine in cigarettes since 1998, with an average annual increase of 1.6%. This re-analysis also found that design features such as puff count and flavor types contribute to increased addiction.
Researchers are exploring a new way to harness the body's natural defense system to fight HIV. They are designing modified viruses that can deliver therapeutic payloads to specific cells, potentially creating a cure for AIDS.
The 2006 Atlantic hurricane season had near-normal activity with nine named storms, including five hurricanes, due to cooler sea surface temperatures and the shift of the Bermuda High. This resulted in stronger winds and reduced thunderstorm formation.
A study found that newborns with low blood sodium consumed more dietary sodium and weighed more than their peers. The researchers concluded that very low serum sodium in pre-term and new-born infants is a significant contributor to long-term sodium intake, a key marker for obesity.
Robert Trivers, a Rutgers University professor, has been awarded the prestigious Crafoord Prize in Biosciences for his groundbreaking research on social evolution and conflict. The prize recognizes his foundational analysis of social behavior patterns in animals, which has inspired significant behavioral ecologists' work.
A new study finds that tanshinone IIA, an active ingredient in the Chinese herb danshen, significantly reduces blood pressure in hamsters. The treatment also enhances expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and increases production of nitric oxide.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have developed a method to align polar molecules in crystals, which could lead to faster and more efficient microchips. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce energy costs and create new technologies that make computers cooler.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine propose a new approach for brain-machine interfaces using undamaged nervous tissue to provide command signals to drive prosthetics. The system may one day enable people with spinal-cord injuries or limb loss to regain control over their devices.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered a unique surface structure in the Cyphochilus beetle that creates its brilliant whiteness. This innovative design could lead to improved ultra-thin materials for various industries.
A study shows that SH2B1 in the brain regulates body weight and fat content, implicating it as a potential target for treating obesity and type II diabetes. Additionally, researchers have found that autophagy represents a survival mechanism for tumor cells treated with agents that initiate tumor cell death.
Researchers have gathered quantitative temperature data from arctic lake sediments and glaciers, revealing temperatures five degrees warmer than today. This finding provides a climate analogue to inform future predictions, highlighting the exceptional magnitude and rate of warming in the Arctic.
A study found that temporary inhibition of native language words helps learners focus on the new language. Fluently bilingual speakers were less prone to this effect, suggesting it's an adaptive strategy during initial second language learning stages.
A new forest reserve in Colombia has been created to protect the chestnut-capped piha, an Endangered bird species restricted to a few tiny remnant forest patches. The reserve also safeguards habitats for seven Vulnerable and four Endangered frog species, including one believed to be found only at this site.
A new study found that adding Cetuximab to radiation therapy does not increase the rate or duration of mucositis or dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients. The median follow-up time was 54 months, with fewer than 10% experiencing prolonged toxicities.
Researchers found that adding cetuximab to radiation therapy and chemotherapy improved local regional control and overall survival in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Seventy-two percent achieved a complete response two months after completion of therapy, while 95 percent were disease-free.
Obese and less educated women with breast cancer are more likely to receive reduced chemotherapy doses, threatening their survival. Research shows that doctors often reduce doses for these patients without solid medical basis, highlighting treatment disparities in cancer care.
A new study has developed a generic global law to predict large-scale patterns in litter mass decay rates and nitrogen release from litter. The research found that the dominant drivers of nitrogen release were initial concentration and remaining mass of leaf and root litter.
A review of government policy is needed to increase HIV testing uptake in the UK. Lucy Frith argues that new technologies, antiretroviral therapy, and patient autonomy make self-testing safer and more effective.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have demonstrated that low-dose carbon monoxide can significantly inhibit oxygen-induced damage to lung cells. The study's findings suggest that CO may expand therapeutic options for treating ARDS, a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates.
A Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center team discovered that a combination of lovastatin and cyclopamine killed 63% of medulloblastoma cells, compared to fewer than 20% with either drug alone. The duo blocks cell-signaling proteins, leading to cancer cell death through apoptosis.
Researchers have made the first measurements of bat wake fields, revealing a novel lift-generating mechanism. Bat wings are highly articulated and flexible, allowing for greater maneuverability than birds and insects. The findings could lead to the development of more efficient tiny flying machines.
The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded a five-year, $13 million NIH grant to study chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and develop novel treatment options. Researchers will investigate the molecular and cellular characteristics of COPD to better understand its progression and potential treatments.
A University of Michigan study found that women who took control of choosing their breast cancer surgeon were more likely to be treated by high-volume surgeons and at accredited cancer centers. Women with higher education and incomes were also more likely to select their surgeon based on reputation.
Researchers found that antihypertensive agents ARBs and ACE inhibitors are the least associated with incident diabetes, followed by calcium-channel blockers and placebo. The study provides a systematic review of clinical trials and finds highly coherent estimates that are robust to sensitivity analyses.
Land plants have evolved microscopic pores called stomata to conserve water and regulate CO2 uptake. The discovery of genes Speechless and Mute sheds light on this process, allowing for better understanding of plant growth and development.
Albert Fert's discovery of giant magnetoresistance has revolutionized the development of spintronics, enabling high-performance magnetic read heads in hard drives. This technology has a significant impact on information and communications technologies.
Researchers at UCSD found fibrosis and remodeling in pediatric EE patients similar to airway remodeling in asthma. These changes increase blood vessel adhesion molecules, leading to inflammation in the esophagus.
Researchers have created a new generation of medicinal products using biodegradable materials, allowing for controlled release and reduced side effects. The novel synthetic process enables the production of diverse polymers, increasing the chances of finding an appropriate excipient for various active substances.
The Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) mission uses a constellation of 5 space probes to track the origin of magnetic storms and their impact on aurorae. The probes will observe over 30 substorms and coordinate with ground-based cameras to discover the time history of these events.
Researchers discover a known mutation in the TGIF gene that causes Holoprosencephaly, a devastating brain disorder with lifelong effects. The study provides hope for detecting, preventing, and treating this rare condition through better understanding of fetal brain development.
A Princeton-led team has developed a method to eliminate tiny air bubbles that form during the mass production of smaller, cheaper microchips. This breakthrough in nanoimprint lithography will enable the creation of more efficient and cost-effective computer chips, with features as small as a billionth of a meter.
A large cohort study in the UK finds that British women's binge drinking habits are defined by their age and education level. Women with higher education tend to reduce their binge drinking as they age, while those with lower education levels increase their binge drinking risk, particularly after the age of 40.
Two studies in Neuron shed significant light on how the brain processes numerical information and how it develops in children. The research found that the parietal cortex activates during perception of both abstract quantities and numerical symbols, suggesting an important role for this region in processing quantitative information.
Researchers found that the 1918 flu virus triggers a deadly respiratory infection by attacking the lungs, leading to death. The study provides insight into how the virus killed so quickly and efficiently, offering potential clues for developing novel antiviral strategies.
A new software program is being developed to help patients with multiple prescriptions by creating a calendar-like printout every time a prescription is filled. The goal is to reduce confusion about which pill is which and when to take medication, ultimately leading to improved patient safety and compliance.
A miniscule detector developed by Merlijn Hajenius at Delft University of Technology has shown promising results for studying cosmic radiation and its impact on the universe. The detector, which uses a superconductor to detect terahertz frequencies, offers new insights into star systems and planetary birth.
A CAMH study found that previously married mothers had higher rates of depressive disorders and alcohol abuse compared to married or never-married mothers. The study also showed that single mothers who were never married and currently married mothers have similar prevalence rates of psychiatric and substance use disorders.
Research in Finland found that enforced redundancies boost mental health problems among those who keep their jobs, with men being 64% more likely to be prescribed psychotropic drugs than those without job losses. Women working in downsized organizations were 12% more likely to receive these prescriptions.
A new study reveals that while more women are studying engineering, they often use it as a launchpad for other careers due to teaching methods and a male-dominated environment. Women value their novelty status but hold traditionally stereotypical views of themselves outside the profession.
The team of scientists deciphered the genome of Trichomonas vaginalis, a single-celled parasite causing trichomoniasis, which affects an estimated 170 million people annually. The large genome contains nearly 26,000 confirmed genes, providing new insights into pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that resistance-breathing training and endurance respiratory muscle training improved swimming endurance by 33-38% and breathing capacity. The study also showed significant improvements in underwater scuba swimming time by 66%.
Global health experts highlight the need for more international assistance to address chronic non-communicable conditions in low and middle income countries. Chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer cause more deaths than infectious diseases, yet receive less funding.
Scientists identified an approach to boost the activity of dasatinib, a potent anti-cancer agent, by combining it with PD184352. This combination resulted in increased apoptosis in leukemia cells, particularly those resistant to imatinib mesylate.
A recent study suggests that parasite infection may alter the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) by affecting the immune response. MS patients with a parasite infection showed fewer clinical relapses and less disability compared to uninfected controls.
Paleogenetic research requires well-preserved archeological material, but treatment and storage conditions can deteriorate DNA. A new study shows that treating fossils like biological samples during excavation and after improves DNA amplification rates.
Researchers created a compound that can switch between magnetic states upon light exposure, enabling binary information storage on an atomic scale. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ultra-small data storage devices for future computers.
A study found that switching patients to more affordable cholesterol and blood pressure medications saved the UK's National Health Service £26,000 annually. The switch was made without adverse events and was successful for the majority of patients.
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois and Argonne National Laboratory has confirmed a long-standing theoretical prediction about water's behavior on hydrophobic surfaces. They found a thin layer of depleted water at the interface, contradicting previous findings of nanobubbles.
Researchers discovered a new protein, Carabin, that acts as an internal brake to limit the immune system's response, preventing excessive inflammation. This discovery may have potential applications in stopping unwanted immune reactions, such as organ rejection.
The VISTA camera, Europe's largest infrared camera, will survey large areas of the southern sky at near-infrared wavelengths, studying cool objects, dust, and high-redshift galaxies. The camera's 67 million pixels will enable it to map the infrared sky faster than any previous telescope.
A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that large herbivorous mammals can have a significant impact on ecosystem health. In an experiment in central Kenya, the removal of cattle, elephants, and zebras led to an increase in the populations of trees, beetles, lizards, and other species.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center created a new method to improve leukemia treatment by triggering programmed cell death in cancer cells. The study found that combining agents like ABT-737 with those that reduce Mcl-1 levels can activate pro-apoptotic proteins and induce apoptosis.
A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found that nearly one-third of children having surgery are overweight or obese, with more than half qualifying as obese. This increases their risk of experiencing problems during and after surgery, as well as future health issues such as type II diabetes and breathing problems.