A new mathematical model explains how persistent microbes co-exist with humans, suggesting an increase in virulent organisms as populations grow. The model proposes that larger populations select for more virulent microbes, leading to potentially severe epidemics.
A USC Davis School of Gerontology study found that caregivers showed few negative mental or physical health effects, contrary to myths about caregiving. The research analyzed ethnic differences among caregivers tending to people with dementia and found unique health risks for African-American caregivers.
Researchers developed a computational model to predict TB reactivation causes and developed a TNF-modulating agent to balance inflammation reduction with infection resistance. Modifying anti-TNF treatment dosages and timing or using TB antibiotics before treatment can also prevent reactivation, according to the study.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have mapped the 3D structure of T7 endonuclease 1 enzyme, responsible for splitting DNA strands and creating genetically unique offspring. The discovery is expected to shed light on human individuality and viral replication mechanisms.
A BMC Medical Education study reveals that newly qualified doctors in the UK feel better prepared for their first clinical posts since 2000. The research suggests that updated medical school curricula and teaching methods are having a positive impact on doctors' perceptions of their readiness.
The grant will support the creation of a national Weapons and Protective Systems Technologies Center of Excellence, focusing on less-lethal munitions and devices, school safety, and pursuit management. The center will be managed by Col. Andrew F. Mazzara and supported by various academic departments and faculty.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered a new accessory protein called SNMP that plays a crucial role in detecting pheromones. The study reveals that SNMP is essential for neurons to respond to these invisible communication signals, which are involved in behaviors such as recognizing siblings and courting mates.
A new study from McGill University finds that the HPV screening test outperforms the traditional Pap test in detecting pre-cancerous lesions without false negatives. The HPV test achieved an accuracy of 94.6%, while the Pap test only reached 55.4% accuracy, making it a more reliable method for cervical cancer screening.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University has discovered the earliest evidence of modern human behavior in South Africa, dating back 164,000 years. The findings suggest that early humans expanded their diet to include shellfish and other marine resources, likely as a response to harsh environmental conditions.
Researchers found that young toddlers automatically assume objects are talking about the whole object, rather than its parts. To improve understanding, parents should label specific parts and explain their function, reducing background noises and engaging with children while speaking.
Scientists create a functional radio system utilizing a tiny carbon nanotube detector, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of nano-electronics. The device enables wireless transmission of classical music wirelessly from an iPod to a speaker.
A new malaria vaccine candidate has shown a promising safety and tolerability profile in infants, with reduced parasite infection by 65% and clinical illness by 35%. The RTS,S/AS02 vaccine also demonstrated efficacy against new infections over a three-month follow-up period.
The University of Houston's Institute for Molecular Design will receive a $500,000 DNA sequencer, allowing researchers to analyze complex genome data in a couple of days, instead of years. The device will help advance synthetic biology and stem cell research at UH.
Researchers have discovered a new primitive crab species, Cycloprosopon dobrogea, which existed over 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period. The discovery provides insights into the evolutionary history of arthropods, including crabs, and their role in shaping biodiversity.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison study examines the global potential for biodiesel production from vegetable oils and animal fats, ranking countries by their ability to manufacture biodiesel at low cost. The top-ranked developing nations include Malaysia, Thailand, Uruguay, Colombia, and Ghana, which are well-positioned due to stron...
Changes in gene expression may cause people to develop a tolerance to inhalants by altering the response of fruit flies to future doses through epigenetic modifications. The research lays groundwork for understanding mechanisms of inhalant addiction and developing treatment methods.
Researchers discovered microRNAs linked to 10 major muscular disorders, opening doors to new treatments. The study found that targeting specific microRNAs may slow muscle loss by addressing the underlying biological processes.
Researchers use Google Sets to provide contextual information that improves the accuracy of automated image labeling systems. The system uses a three-step process, including image segmentation, ranked lists of probable labels, and post-processing context checks.
Research by Washington University School of Medicine found that obese children exhibit early heart disease symptoms, similar to those seen in obese adults. The study analyzed 168 children aged 10-18 and used a new imaging technique to track changes in the heart's muscular wall.
Research published in BMC Neuroscience found that genetic genes controlling the body clock also regulate the need for sleep, linking sleep to energy metabolism. The study used mice with different genetic make-ups to explore this connection, revealing changes in gene expression associated with sleep deprivation and recovery.
A new study estimates that US forest fires release about 30% of the nation's total mercury emissions, primarily affecting the environment and human health. The Southeast region emits the most mercury, followed by Alaska and California, highlighting the need for better protection measures.
A team of researchers has found that the Indian plate is only about 100 km thick, whereas the other parts of Gondwanaland are about 200 km thick. This discovery explains why India moved faster and further than the other parts of the supercontinent during its break-up.
Researchers have found a way to use solid-state NMR equipment to crack the secrets of hydrogen atoms and spot unwanted polymorphs in pharmaceuticals. This breakthrough opens up hydrogen nuclei to useful study by solid-state NMR, bringing immense benefits to the study of polymorphism in drugs.
Scientists have identified a crucial gene, Jhdm2a, that triggers the final step of sperm cell formation. Mice lacking this gene exhibit significant male infertility symptoms. The study provides evidence that Jhdm2a controls expression of genes required for DNA packaging in sperm cells.
The Phase II HapMap contains over 3.1 million SNPs, three times more than the initial version, improving the detection of genetic variants involved in common diseases and exploring human genetic variation. Researchers have associated over 60 common DNA variants with risk of disease or related traits using this powerful new tool.
Varicocele removal significantly improves testosterone levels in over two-thirds of men, leading to improved fertility and reduced symptoms of andropause such as low sex drive and depression.
Researchers examined the effectiveness of intra-arterial combination chemotherapy in treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). The treatment led to a median survival time of 457.2 days and a one-year survival rate of 70%.
Researchers at HHMI used a new computational method to predict protein structure with remarkable accuracy. The method, called Rosetta@home, uses distributed computing and targeted rebuilding to overcome challenges in predicting protein structures.
Researchers found that Baicalin has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing the severity of acute pancreatitis in rats. The study suggests that Baicalin may be an effective treatment option for SAP, offering a promising therapeutic tool with low cost and extensive routes of administration.
The International HapMap Project has completed its second phase, tripled the amount of genetic variation assessed and describes up to 95% of common single-letter variations in the human genetic code. This increased density of identified SNPs allows researchers to better understand disease-associated genes and detect rare disease variants.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded $70,000 in fellowships to seven outstanding doctoral students in geriatric social work. The Hartford Doctoral Fellowships provide recipients with dissertation grants and academic career guidance.
A study using a dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal tract system demonstrated that LIALDA tablets release 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) over a prolonged period in the simulated colon, with nearly 90% of 5-ASA released in the fasted state. In contrast, minimal 5-ASA was released in the stomach and small intestine.
Researchers have discovered a stable sex hormone signature in cells that may provide a more sophisticated way to determine sex than just identifying the presence of the Y chromosome. This breakthrough could lead to improved counseling for intersex individuals with ambiguous gender identities.
Researchers studying Holothuria glaberrima found that sea cucumbers can rapidly regenerate lost body parts by healing wounds with similar cellular mechanisms. This discovery may lead to new insights into repairing human tissues.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that men engaging in predominantly low-impact forms of exercise have an increased incidence of osteopenia, a condition resulting in two times the risk of bone fracture. Regular weight-bearing activities can mitigate this risk and maintain healthy bones.
Researchers have identified epigenetic mechanisms involved in schizophrenia, pointing to potential new targets for medications. The GAD1 gene's role in producing the neurotransmitter GABA is also linked to brain development abnormalities.
A strain of bacteria resistant to all approved pediatric antibiotics has been discovered, according to researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The 19A strain was found in children with persistent ear infections despite antibiotic treatment, highlighting concerns over potential long-term consequences.
Scientists have successfully measured the interaction between a single functional group and a carbon nanotube for the first time. The study found that the interaction strength depends on the electronic structure of the interacting molecule/CNT system, eliminating guesswork in designing new nanocomposite materials and devices.
Researchers developed a new near-infrared contrast agent that selectively marks hydroxyapatite crystals, allowing for the detection of malignant tissue. The swine trials demonstrated the effectiveness of real-time NIR fluorescence images in image-guided surgery.
Meis1 is required for maintaining leukemia stem cell properties in MLL leukemia, including self-renewal and differentiation arrest. The study provides new insights into the genetic underpinnings of MLL leukemogenesis.
A study by UC Davis found that nearly one-third of California's top public companies have no women at the top, despite a few firms having high female representation. The research highlights the need for more gender diversity in corporate leadership positions.
A team of researchers at Kansas State University is working to understand the ecology of E. coli 0157 and develop practical interventions to combat it in cattle. They are also studying salmonella, which causes bloody diarrhea in feedlot cattle and dairy cattle abortions, with a focus on reducing its prevalence.
UF researchers tracked HIV genetic journey from birth to death in four children with HIV, finding the deadly X4 form emerges just before AIDS. The study reveals thymus as key location for viral replication and development of a 'program' of virus evolution over time.
A team from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh is studying the effectiveness of a wrist-mounted instrument called eWatch in measuring psychosocial stress exposure. The study will collect data on participants' daily activities, stress levels, and environment to understand how stress affects daily life.
A new national study found that bicycle-related injuries among children and adolescents result in nearly $200 million in hospital inpatient charges annually. The study also estimates that approximately 10,700 children are hospitalized annually for a bicycle-related injury, with an average length of stay of three days.
Stefanie LaRue, a 30-year-old LA resident, was diagnosed with Stage-4 Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer in 2005. She has since devoted her time to educating men and women about diagnosing breast cancer and preventing misdiagnoses in young women under 40.
The spleen's unique anatomical and immunological characteristics may explain why isolated splenic metastasis from colorectal carcinoma is rare. Experimental studies have shown that cancer cells injected into the spleen grow more slowly than those in other organs.
A new strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria has been detected that is resistant to all FDA-approved antibiotics and not covered by the pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine. This strain was found in nine cases, resulting in unsuccessful treatment with multiple antibiotics.
Scientists at UCSD School of Medicine identified a potential new therapy for chronic spasticity and rigidity, a painful condition often resulting from spinal cord injuries. They found that the AMPA receptor antagonist NGX424 suppresses spasticity and rigidity in rats, providing a novel means of reducing muscle tone.
Researchers at the London Centre for Nanotechnology discovered that even perfect structure in high-dielectric constant materials can lead to 'self-trapping' of charges, which affects device performance. This new understanding could open the way to suppressing undesirable characteristics in these materials.
A recent study found that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are more common than previously thought, affecting certain populations disproportionately. The study estimated that 94,360 invasive MRSA infections occurred in the US in 2005, resulting in 18,650 deaths.
Dr. John Greally and his team will develop high-throughput assays using high-throughput sequencing to analyze the human epigenome. They aim to identify patterns of epigenetic regulators and gain insights into how these mechanisms control genes.
Acupuncture significantly reduces post-surgical pain and opioid use, with lower rates of nausea, itching, dizziness, and urinary retention. The treatment is also inexpensive and has virtually no side effects when performed by trained personnel.
In 1977, Carl Woese led a team that identified archaea as a unique domain of life, distinct from bacteria and other organisms. Their discovery opened up a new field of study and revolutionized biology, particularly microbial ecology.
ISU study reveals forests in Upper Midwest have lost tree species diversity and structural complexity since the mid-1800s. Deciduous trees like aspen and birch have replaced conifers, while smaller trees dominate modern forests.
A new baseline of invasive plants has been established in Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Galapagos, with 261 introduced species recorded, 39 growing wild. The study highlights the impact of invasive plants on native flora and fauna, with five species identified as potentially serious weeds that should be eradicated.
Research suggests that genetic factors significantly influence human brain structure and intelligence, particularly in regions involved in attention, language, and visual processing. Heritability estimates range from 70-90% for gray matter volume and 40-69% for the hippocampus.
The Institute of Medicine report outlines an action plan to ensure that cancer patients receive necessary psychosocial health services. Key findings include the need to address psychological and social side effects, increasing patient suffering and treatment adherence.
The SiCortex SC5832 enables research in astrophysics, climate modeling, and biotechnology at Argonne National Lab due to its unique capabilities and energy efficiency. The system boasts six 64-bit processors and a PCIexpress connection for fast communications.
A national survey of department chairs reveals over half report financial relationships with industry, including receiving support for research equipment and seminars. Clinical departments are more likely to receive industry funding, but many perceive no impact on professional activities.