Researchers at University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered a key cell-signaling pathway regulating cell growth and patterning in tadpoles. The study found that modification of histone protein H2A influences normal cell pathways and cell growth.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that hysterectomy significantly increases the risk of urinary incontinence, with the highest likelihood noted within five years of the removal of the uterus. Women who had a hysterectomy before menopause or after multiple deliveries were particularly at risk.
Scientists discovered that at least one percent of Neanderthals in Europe had red hair, a finding based on genetic analysis. This rare trait was linked to the mc1r gene mutation, causing lighter skin and more freckles.
A simple technique using the twinkle after-effect can accurately identify blind spots in people with retinal disease, helping patients seek timely treatment for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The method is inexpensive, accessible, and can be used daily by patients to detect changes in their vision.
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) has introduced two new commentaries on biofuel byproducts and ethanol production, highlighting the potential risks of invasive pests in dedicated feedstock crops. The commentaries aim to provide a process to quantify and minimize this risk.
A new model of HIV dynamics accurately predicts the emergence and growth of recombinant forms of the virus in infected individuals. This framework also establishes scaling relationships between the prevalence of these resistant strains and overall infection extent.
A study by UCLA scientists found that 48% of women and 23% of men are interested in cosmetic surgery, with 31% of women reporting feeling uncomfortable in their own skin. The researchers were surprised to find no correlation between body image and interest in surgical alteration.
Penn State has received a $135,000 Brookwood-Sago Mine Safety Grant to establish a training program for 1,000 miners and 1,120 others. The program will include interactive simulations and training materials to enhance miners' ability to survive mine emergencies.
The study found that TCPOBOP stimulation of CAR induced genes involved in fatty acid microsomal omega-oxidation and beta-oxidation pathways, reducing hepatic steatosis. This research offers a potential pharmacologic treatment for NASH by enhancing hepatic fatty acid oxidation.
A case of a giant submucosal lipoma located in the descending colon is presented, highlighting key findings such as abdominal pain, bleeding per rectum, and change in bowel habits. The study suggests that colonic malignancy should not be ruled out in patients with significant symptoms.
Researchers identified 7 anti-hypertensive drugs that significantly prevent beta-amyloid production, a key mechanism in Alzheimer's disease. These drugs, including Valsartan and Propranolol HCI, showed promise in preventing cognitive deterioration and memory loss in mice with Alzheimer's disease.
The University of Michigan is leading a consortium to study health consequences of disasters, with a focus on rapid response and mitigation. Researchers will recruit healthy adults to study two, four, and 14 months after the disaster.
A new study finds that HIV-infected patients are sicker when starting therapy compared to the past. The delay in diagnosis and treatment is particularly pronounced among injection drug users, women, and certain demographic groups.
Researchers found that trees in low-nitrogen soils produce more anthocyanins, which protect the leaves longer and allow for greater nutrient recovery. This study supports a hypothesis suggesting that trees produce red pigments to aid in survival during the winter months.
A new potential therapeutic target for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma has been identified through a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. Survivin protein expression was found to be elevated in 64.7% of HCC specimens, suggesting its role as a marker for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have discovered that French clay can kill several types of bacteria, including MRSA and Mycobacterium ulcerans, which causes the flesh-eating disease Buruli ulcer. The study, led by Lynda Williams at Arizona State University, used laboratory tests to confirm the antibacterial properties of the clay.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a novel gene delivery system that can sustain therapeutic expression in the central nervous system for up to 1 year. This innovative approach uses an adenoviral vector called HC-Adv, which is invisible to the immune system and renders previously used vectors ineffective.
Researchers have discovered blood plasma proteins that rise and fall after treatment with antiangiogenic drugs, which may be used as surrogate biomarkers to predict the optimal dose. The study also found molecular changes in normal mice, suggesting that the body's response is not solely tumor-dependent.
Scientists found that at least 1% of Neanderthals were likely redheads due to a point mutation in the MC1R gene. The discovery suggests that Neanderthals' pigmentation may be as varied as modern humans', with implications for understanding the evolution of human traits.
Researchers at University of Cambridge and Institute of Physics of Cantabria propose existence of cosmic defects called textures, predicted by particle physics theories. Textures are defects in vacuum left over from hot early universe, observed as hot and cold spots in cosmic microwave background radiation.
A team of scientists identified lakes as a new likely source of prehistoric methane, which could have contributed up to 87% of the early Holocene methane spike. The findings suggest that large releases from lakes may occur again in the future with global warming.
Researchers found that a combination of infection control measures, including masks, reduced hospitalization time, and improved ventilation, could prevent nearly half of new XDR tuberculosis cases. The study's findings highlight the need for immediate action to address the growing epidemic in South Africa.
A study found that valsartan reduces Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms in mice by lowering brain beta-amyloid protein levels. A new virotherapeutic also shows promise in treating cancer by selectively targeting cancer cells.
A new study suggests that HIV/AIDS originated in Africa and traveled to the US through Haiti around 1969. Most US viruses descended from a single common ancestor originating from Haiti. The research used genetic analysis of archived blood samples to pinpoint the virus's entry point, shedding light on its early spread.
Birds with higher stress levels adopt bolder behaviour than their peers, taking more risks in stressful situations. The 'stressed' birds explored more objects and returned to feeders quickly after being startled.
Recent high-resolution images from NASA's Mars orbiters show extensive evidence of ice-made features on the planet's surface, including glacial debris and valley deposits. The findings suggest a dynamic history of Martian climate change, with water ice playing a key role in shaping the planet's geology.
A 30-year study found that hysterectomy more than doubles the risk of requiring stress-urinary-incontinence surgery. The highest risk was within five years after surgery, with multiparous women particularly affected. Researchers suggest surgical trauma and changes to pelvic-floor supportive tissues may contribute to this association.
Researchers found that diffusion tensor imaging can identify structural changes in the white matter of the brain, correlating to cognitive deficits even in patients with mild TBI. The study also discovered axonal damage and myelin abnormalities in more severe injuries.
A new study is working to save the endangered splendid leaf frog by understanding its development and behavior in relation to diet and environment. The researchers are conducting field studies and experiments at Chester Zoo to provide a better idea of the species' nutritional requirements.
A new study by UC Irvine entomologist Bob Reed has uncovered the secrets behind butterfly wing patterns. The research found that genes responsible for making insect eye pigments also produce red wing patterns in Heliconius butterflies, shedding light on the genetic causes of variation in wing patterns across different regions.
Researchers at the University of Washington have devised a theory that links uncertainty in climate change with climate sensitivity. The theory, published in Science, provides a yardstick for testing climate models and shows that small uncertainties can be amplified into large ones.
Researchers developed a new virotherapeutic targeting cancer cells expressing E2F and EGFR proteins, showing antitumor effects in mice and rabbits. The virus demonstrated high selectivity for cancer cells in tumor-bearing rabbits and human tissue samples.
A study by Professor Brian Wynne found that ordinary people worry about the burden of genetic testing, its impact on families, social status, and employment opportunities. The public is concerned that individualized healthcare could limit access to services like insurance, medical coverage, and mortgages.
Neurobiologist Rachel Wilson has been awarded the 2007 International Grand Prize in Neurobiology for decoding a pattern of impulses from receptor neurons to identify an odor. Her research reveals complexities in how odors are processed by the brain, using genetic tools and measurements of neural activity in living flies.
Researchers at Dr. Liu et al. successfully differentiated primary pancreatic ductal epithelial cells into insulin-producing cells using the transfection of PDX-1, a promising approach to enhance islet cell output and meet clinical needs. This study suggests a future for many diabetic patients who need islets transplantation.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a new molecular target that may help develop drugs to reduce fat transport in adipocytes and prevent obesity. Knocking out a specific cell receptor called LRP1 has been shown to decrease fat storage and weight gain in genetically altered mice.
The Penn Center for the Integration of Genetic Healthcare Technology will examine the certainty or uncertainty of results from genetic testing. Team members will conduct original research on genetic technologies and develop tools to educate consumers, professionals, policy makers, and insurers.
JDRF is partnering with Osiris Therapeutics to support a Phase II clinical trial using Prochymal, an immunomodulatory cell therapy product, to preserve and regenerate insulin-producing cells in patients newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The proposed research presents a novel approach for developing a immunomodulatory cellular therapy.
Researchers found that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) actually speeds up decision-making in Parkinson's patients, contrary to expectations. The study suggests that DBS affects the brain's ability to deliberate on complicated decisions by interrupting the 'hold-your-horses' signal.
Patients given human atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) after a heart attack have lower infarct sizes, fewer reperfusion injuries, and better outcomes than control group patients. ANP also increases left ventricle ejection fraction post-heart-attack.
Researchers genetically manipulated nematode worms to be attracted to the same sex, revealing that sexual attraction is derived from a shared nervous system. The study suggests that sexual orientation may be wired in the brain and not solely caused by extra nerve cells.
Genetically obese rats showed lower dopamine D2 receptor levels than lean counterparts. However, restricting food intake increased D2 receptor numbers, partially reversing age-related decline. This finding suggests a link between brain's reward system and food availability in obesity.
Agricultural soil erosion removes more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits, creating carbon sinks equivalent to 1.5% of annual fossil fuel emissions. The study challenges previous assessments that erosion contributes significantly to global warming.
A team of researchers proposes a new hypothesis on human migration from Asia to the Americas, suggesting that ancestors remained isolated in Beringia for 15,000 years before entering the continent. The study's findings contradict previous theories and provide insights into the peopling of the New World.
The researchers will examine four Kansas communities and two Iowa communities to see whether claims that ethanol plants revitalize the towns hold true. They will study local ownership, attitudes towards ethanol plant workers and farmers, and community investment.
A study of psychiatrists and parents found significant differences in perceptions of pediatric ADHD and psychiatric comorbidities. The researchers suggest that improving communication between psychiatrists, parents, and patients can lead to better treatment outcomes for children with complicated ADHD.
Researchers have discovered that treating two or more neglected tropical diseases simultaneously with existing oral drug treatments can be effective and efficient. The treatment approach has the potential to save millions of lives annually, particularly in Africa where nearly 500 million people are at risk for these diseases.
Michael Rosbash, a Brandeis University professor, has been elected as an AAAS Fellow for his distinguished contributions to understanding RNA splicing and circadian rhythms. This year, 471 members have been awarded the honor by AAAS due to their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts.
Researchers propose a new approach to treating psychiatric disorders by focusing on an individual's need for internal balance. Studies suggest that decision-making is linked to maintaining homeostatic balance, which can be disrupted in individuals with addictions and psychiatric disorders.
A recent study by Western psychology graduate student Ben Bowles and professor Stefan Köhler found that the feeling of familiarity during recognition relies on a distinct brain mechanism. This insight sheds light on how memory is wired in the human brain, with implications for understanding memory deficits in neurology, including Alzhe...
Common uterine infections can damage ovaries and affect fertility in cows, similar to the impact on humans with sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia. Researchers found that bacteria can leave toxins in egg-containing follicles, suppressing oestrogen production and preventing ovulation.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) contributes to vascular diseases by activating VEGFR1, accelerating macrophage migration and plaque progression. The discovery could lead to a potential therapeutic target for medical applications.
Seismologists have recast their understanding of the Earth's inner workings, depicting it as a dynamic and chemically diverse living organism. New research shows that Earth's upper mantle exhibits chemical heterogeneity beyond just temperature and pressure.
EpiVax receives $351,000 from JDRF to develop Epi-13, a novel therapeutic that reduces harmful immune responses and preserves insulin production. The approach uses natural regulatory T cells to induce antigen-specific adaptive tolerance induction.
Researchers present emerging therapies targeting cancer cells, including a small molecule inhibitor of protein kinase D and an oncolytic herpes virus that selectively targets cancer cells without damaging nerves. These treatments offer promising methods for controlling disease and improving patient outcomes.
A new design for a 'lab-on-a-chip' structure enables the sorting of particles using light, achieving higher efficiencies and lower costs than current methodologies. Velocities as high as 28 μm/s were achieved for small spheres with low optical powers.
Researchers discovered that ultraviolet lasers interact with living tissue differently than previously thought, with varying effects on wavelength and pulse duration. The study found that shorter wavelength lasers can cut more precisely and produce less collateral damage than mid-infrared lasers.
Provost George P. Korfiatis receives Firepower Award for his contributions to technology R&D and defense preparedness posture. He has led over 200 major research projects worth $30 million and advised numerous organizations.
Researchers have found an unusual cold spot in the cosmic microwave background that could be caused by a cosmic defect created just after the Big Bang. The discovery provides a potential window into understanding the fundamental nature of elementary particles and forces.
Ten Yale researchers have been named AAAS Fellows in recognition of their distinguished efforts to advance science, including Paul Anastas and Sankar Ghosh. The new fellows will be inducted at the 2008 AAAS Annual Meeting.