Researchers describe two structural forms of human RECQ1 helicase, which regulate its dual enzymatic activity. The larger complex is associated with DNA strand annealing, while the smaller form carries out DNA unwinding.
A University of Illinois study reveals that combining tomatoes and broccoli in the diet can effectively reduce prostate tumors. The study found that eating both foods together produces an additive effect, with tumor cells proliferating more slowly.
Researchers have successfully produced proteins that resemble antibodies in plant seeds, demonstrating their potential for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The antibody variants are just as active as whole antibodies and can be used in medical applications, with advantages including high production capacity and timely processing.
Researchers have found a selective marker in nestin that could lead to earlier detection and better treatment of basal epithelial breast tumors, a highly aggressive form of breast cancer. High levels of nestin were detected in 14 out of 16 tumor samples examined.
Carnivores can only sustain body mass up to one ton due to energy intake and expenditure limitations. This explains why large predators like lions and modern-day polar bears are relatively small compared to extinct herbivorous mammals.
A new study from Harvard Medical School found no association between benzodiazepine use and hip fractures among the elderly. The study, which analyzed data from over 90,000 Medicaid recipients, suggests that policies limiting sedative prescriptions may need to be reexamined.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found consistent evidence that smoking is associated with an increased risk of tuberculosis. Passive smoking and indoor air pollution from biomass fuels were also linked to a higher TB risk.
A 40,000-year-old skull found in Romania shows both modern human and Neandertal characteristics, indicating complex population dynamics as humans spread into Europe. The skull, named Oase 2, has a mix of archaic and derived features, raising questions about the evolutionary history of modern humans.
Researchers explore relationship between delirium and dementia, finding potential biomarkers, neuroimaging techniques, and cognitive reserve factors. Delirium can be a major expense to healthcare systems, but interventions can decrease its incidence.
A 28-year study of Japanese-American men found that growing up in a large family or being born later in the family increased the risk of developing gastric adenocarcinoma. The results suggest that early-life social environment plays a significant role in microbially induced malignancies expressed decades later.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that nanoparticles can stop thin polymer films from buckling and wrinkling, paving the way for new solutions to prevent wrinkles. The technology has potential applications in cosmetic procedures and medical treatments.
Primary Progressive Aphasia is a mysterious neurological disease that affects speech and language abilities, with researchers discovering a genetic cause in a progranulin gene mutation. The study found the mutation in two unrelated families, providing a molecular approach to understanding the causes of the disease.
Researchers discover how malaria parasites hijack red blood cells and develop a new strategy to block them using propranolol. The finding opens the possibility for important new drugs that won't become resistant, addressing the growing problem of drug-resistant malaria.
A new study uses visual immunoprecipitation to reveal the regulation of microtubule dynamics via coordinated changes in protein interactions. Microtubules become dynamic during mitosis due to the release of a destabilizer molecule.
A 35,000-year-old European skull found in Romania has been analyzed, revealing that it exhibits both modern and archaic features. The discovery supports the idea of human evolution and suggests that early modern humans interbred with Neanderthals.
A mathematical model suggests that one-time screening of adults age 50 or older for malignant melanoma is very cost-effective, with costs totaling $10,100 per quality-adjusted life year gained. Screening every two years may also be cost-effective, depending on disease progression rates.
A new study found a significant drop in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for inappropriate reasons. The study, published in Neurology, credits the decline to randomized controlled trials that clarified the surgery's proper use.
Research published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture reveals cloudy apple juice contains four times the concentration of polyphenols as clear varieties. Polyphenols have anti-cancer activity and can help prevent heart disease, supporting a healthier diet.
Researchers are developing novel antibacterial compounds targeting MRSA, a life-threatening drug-resistant infection. The new medicines block the ability of MRSA bacteria to divide and multiply, reducing resistance levels.
Researchers discovered a new genetic variant SORL1 associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The gene is linked to an increased risk of toxic amyloid beta peptides in the brain, leading to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have identified a new genetic clue that may contribute to the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Variations in the SORL1 gene were found to be associated with an increased risk of the disease, and altering the levels of this protein changed the way amyloid beta fragments were produced in cells.
A new study has identified a gene that regulates adult stem cell growth, which could lead to increased doses of chemotherapy and faster recovery times for cancer patients. The discovery also opens up possibilities for treating other diseases such as liver disease and diabetes.
Researchers identified a new genetic risk factor associated with late-onset Alzheimer's, implicating the SORL1 gene. Variants of this gene are linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's, particularly in Caucasians, and may play a role in the production of toxic amyloid-beta fragments.
A survey of 127 specialist registrars reveals that nearly a third view working with patients directly in community settings as a bad development. The respondents felt poorly prepared to meet the challenge and wanted additional training, but only half believed this would improve their job prospects.
Researchers found that a drug blocking nitric oxide synthesis significantly reduced tumor blood volume in patients, providing early clinical evidence of its anti-vascular activity. The study's results suggest potential for the use of this agent as a novel vascular targeting agent in cancer treatment.
Researchers found that 71% of lost dogs were reunited with their owners, compared to 53% of lost cats. Identification tags or microchips played a crucial role in recovery. Posting signs and advertising in local newspapers also helped recover pets.
Scientists at ProXara Biotechnology Limited have identified a way to prevent tumour cells from growing by switching off key enzyme PKB. The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust Seeding Drug Discovery initiative, aims to develop a drug that can be used in clinical trials for lung cancer treatment.
Researchers have identified pancreatic polypeptide as a potential solution to appetite suppression, which may lead to a new obesity treatment. The hormone is naturally released in the gut and acts as a neurotransmitter to indicate fullness to the brain.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a new gene, SORL1, associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in different ethnic groups. The discovery highlights the complexity of the disease's genetics and underscores the need for further replication studies.
In a breakthrough study, researchers found that neutrophils in the lungs produce histamine in response to infection, contradicting the long-held assumption that mast cells are the primary source. This discovery has implications for asthma and bronchitis treatments, suggesting antihistamines may be a viable therapeutic option.
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified a molecular spring within the fibrinogen protein, which explains how blood clots can stretch and bend under physical stress. This discovery may lead to the development of treatments for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and thrombosis.
Researchers sponsored by ONR have made groundbreaking discoveries in graphene and carbon nanotubes, leading to novel electronic devices and sensors. Their work has the potential to revolutionize industries such as electronics and materials science.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory stabilized platinum electrocatalysts using gold clusters, maintaining stability in accelerated tests. This breakthrough raises promising possibilities for synthesizing improved platinum-based catalysts.
A new study reveals that women who outwardly express anger may be at increased risk of heart disease if they also have certain risk factors such as diabetes, unhealthy levels of fats in the blood, or age. The researchers found that only expressed anger, not just cynicism or hostility, was predictive of coronary artery disease in women.
A 36,000-year-old human skull from South Africa confirms the 'Out of Africa' theory of modern human origins. The fossil provides critical evidence that modern humans migrated out of sub-Saharan Africa around this time.
Researchers found that natural systems can rebound quickly after hurricanes, while human-made infrastructure and ecosystems are more vulnerable. The study also showed that storm characteristics, such as intensity and direction, play a significant role in environmental damage.
A recent study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that prenatal cocaine exposure in rabbits causes a long-lasting displacement of dopamine receptors in certain brain cells. This effect alters their ability to function normally and may lead to subtle cognitive impairments, attention deficits, and emotional problems.
A team of Canadian scientists will gather detailed information about the northern lights using a network of Ground-Based Observatories and NASA satellites. The THEMIS mission aims to pinpoint the cause of brilliant explosions in the auroral displays.
A University of Alberta study reveals that travelers are aware of some key factors in avoiding and treating travellers' diarrhea, but lack knowledge on others. The study found that hand-washing is an effective way to ward off the sickness, but many travelers are unaware of the risks of chlorinated water and viral causes.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) released a clinical alert on the risks of late thrombosis associated with drug-eluting stents. The alert provides practical advice for physicians to minimize this risk, including careful patient selection and use of dual anti-clotting medications.
The AAAS/EurekAlert! fellowships aim to support independent science reporting in China, promoting unbiased coverage and fostering international scientific dialogue. The recipients will cover the 2007 AAAS Annual Meeting and attend professional development sessions.
A new study by Princeton University researchers found that traditional models underestimating the value of employee stock options. The study takes into account factors such as risk aversion, job security, and vesting periods, revealing a more nuanced picture of option costs.
The UCSD initiative aims to keep middle school girls engaged in STEM fields by providing hands-on learning experiences, such as measuring air quality and analyzing solar radiation. The project also develops a multi-player online science challenge game designed specifically for girls, addressing the critical leak in the talent pipeline.
A study of over 15,000 coronary artery bypass grafting patients in New York State reveals that less experienced surgeons are more likely to perform off-pump CABG surgery on black patients. This disparity is attributed to the fact that black patients have limited access to the latest medical technologies.
A unique clinical study under way at FSU means to find out if daily prunes can help keep the doctor away by reversing bone loss in postmenopausal women. Researchers are expanding treatment options for osteoporosis, a debilitating disease affecting 10 million Americans.
Mayo Clinic researchers use advanced MRI to predict surgical success in rare sciatic notch dumbbell-shaped tumors. The 3-Tesla MRI system provides detailed images of tumor and nerve relationships, allowing for safe removal of tumors while protecting nerves.
A study led by doctors at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center shows that patients treated with the endoscopic Plicator procedure experience a sustained reduction in gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and medication use. Over half of the patients were able to stop medication completely three years post-procedure.
A survey of 54 cancer centers found few organizations have standardized prescribing practices for oral chemotherapy, with variations in prescription generation and required information. The study highlights the importance of forging a consensus on standardized safeguards and practices for prescribing and monitoring oral chemotherapies.
A study of 46,993 patients found that hospital death rates ranged from 10% to 28%, with nursing staff levels and care map use associated with lower mortality rates. The study suggests that hospitals can reduce deaths by employing more registered nurses and implementing routine care maps or protocols.
Researchers found that a medication used to reduce toxic side effects of chemotherapy can also increase bone tumor growth in mice. Physicians are advised to closely monitor cancer patients' bone health with regular scans and prescribe medications to prevent bone loss when needed.
A recent study published in Science has found that the size of Amazon forest reserves is crucial for protecting bird species. The research, led by Gonçalo Ferraz, used a 13-year data set of over 40,000 bird captures to show that larger areas are more important than isolation in maintaining biodiversity.
Researchers have decoded the genetic makeup of T. vaginalis, a parasite causing trichomoniasis, revealing potential pathways for new treatments, diagnostics, and a vaccine strategy. The large genome comprises nearly 26,000 predicted genes, with many repetitive genes accounting for 65% of its structure.
The authors of a study estimating 654,965 Iraqi deaths between 2003 and 2006 respond to criticism, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure damage in public health. The Lancet highlights the need for long-term commitment to promoting human dignity and health in Iraq.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center identified novel regulatory mechanisms of PTEN function. NEDD4-1 protein regulates PTEN stability by adding a molecular tag causing degradation. This finding provides a new therapeutic strategy, as proteasome inhibitors may selectively block degrading effects of ubiquitination.
A rapidly increasing syphilis epidemic is sweeping China, with infection rates rising from less than 0.2 cases per 100,000 people in 1993 to 6.5 cases per 100,000 in 1999. The study attributes the surge to economic reforms and globalization, as well as changes in social practices and healthcare costs.
A team of international scientists has discovered a new group of microscopic organisms in the Arctic Ocean, which have diverged from known organisms more than land plants and animals. These 'picobiliphytes' are highly fluorescent and transform light into biomass, highlighting the ocean's complex biodiversity.
A Canadian study found that bilingual individuals experience a delay in the onset of dementia symptoms by approximately four years compared to monolingual individuals. This delay was observed after considering potential influencers such as cultural differences, education, and occupation.
A large-scale study reveals that soil composition significantly influences where certain tree species grow in tropical forests. Researchers found strong associations between tree species and nutrient distributions, suggesting differences in nutrient requirements among trees may help explain coexistence.
The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine is exploring how lifestyle choices impact heart disease. The journal focuses on recognizing and addressing the impact that lifestyle decisions have on health, emphasizing traditional therapies and lifestyle modalities to achieve superior outcomes in disease treatment.
The Institute for Genomic Research has published a draft genome sequence of Trichomonas vaginalis, the cause of trichomoniasis. The researchers identified mechanisms that help the parasite resist existing therapies and potential targets for new drugs and diagnostic techniques.