A study by Cornell University finds that pollution from water, air and soil is responsible for 40% of global deaths, with malnutrition and disease susceptibility affecting 3.7 billion people worldwide. The researchers warn that the growing world population, combined with environmental degradation, are major causes behind human diseases.
A recent analysis by Robert Horwitz reveals that South Africa's telecommunications reform has largely failed to improve access and affordability for the majority of the population. Despite comprehensive legislation passed in 1996, Telkom was able to thwart competition and impose high prices, limiting service offerings.
A new study suggests that irrigation may not cool the globe in the future, contrary to previous findings. The research team analyzed temperature and irrigation trends in California's Central Valley and found a clear cooling effect in agricultural areas, but one that has recently slowed down.
Research published in the journal Gut indicates a projected 25% decline in stomach cancer cases in Western countries by 2030. The long-term nationwide study monitored three types of cell changes indicative of stomach cancer, tracking almost 98,000 patients from 1991 to 2005.
A rare mutualistic relationship between a moth and cactus in the Sonoran Desert shows that one species can control the population of the other, challenging traditional ecological theory. The research has implications for understanding community ecology and the stability of mutualistic communities.
Research reveals a critical link between protein 'chat' and cancer development, shedding light on three rare but deadly disorders. Shortened chromosome ends can lead to genetic instability, promoting cancer growth.
A study found that individuals living in nursing homes and taking medication to lower blood pressure are more likely to die from heatstroke. Being confined to bed and unable to care for oneself also increase the risk of death. Conversely, visiting cool environments and increasing social contact can lead to better outcomes.
Current and past smokers are at increased risk of developing late-age related macular degeneration, with current smokers four times more likely than non-smokers. Smoking's link to AMD is thought to share other risk factors with cardiovascular disease, including high cholesterol levels and hypertension.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that clones with similar genetic traits outperformed those with varied genetics, producing more flowers and potentially increasing reproduction. The study suggests that a gene called Erecta plays a role in this variation, but further research is needed to confirm the findings.
A recent study reveals that minority families moving to new neighborhoods experience equal or better economic gains compared to whites, but white children remain in wealthier areas. The research also finds that staying in one's neighborhood leads to greater economic improvements for white families than non-migrant minorities.
Researchers found that Langerhans cell histiocytosis is associated with the expansion of regulatory T cells, driven by cell survival rather than uncontrolled proliferation. This discovery provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of the disease.
A new study published in Psychological Science examines how early exposure to geometric cues influences navigational strategy. The researchers found that fish raised in circular tanks with minimal angular information still used geometry to navigate, while those from rectangular tanks were more likely to rely on features when present.
Stephen A. Back, a pediatric neurology expert at Doernbecher Children's Hospital, has received the prestigious Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award for his research on white matter brain injury in premature infants. His work aims to develop therapies that can reverse brain damage and slow cognitive decline in aging adults.
Researchers have created cancer stem cells in a Petri dish from human breast tissue, which can initiate tumors and metastasize. The new study provides clues about the trajectory of cancer cells and offers a boon to researchers studying these elusive cells.
A collaborative learning exercise between land managers and scientists aimed to explore the impacts of long-term temperature changes and precipitation distribution on rangelands. The study found that experiential learning is an effective teaching method for critical thinking, communication skills, and engaging learners.
Researchers found that bursts of waves drive immune system 'soldiers' toward invaders, using a signaling protein to direct cell movement. The discovery may lead to strategies to block cancer growth and treat heart disease.
Researchers discovered that increasing the body's ability to absorb amyloid-beta in the blood leads to a decrease in brain levels, halting symptoms. A modified version of the sLRP protein showed promise in mice and humans, promising a new treatment option for Alzheimer's.
Researchers at MIT have developed a technique to create 3D images of living cells, revealing internal structures and enabling the study of cellular function in its native state. The method uses interferometry and refractive index properties, producing high-resolution images with resolutions as low as 150 nanometers.
Recent Hispanic immigrants in the US are more likely to use illegal drugs as they adopt white American cultural beliefs, with acculturated Hispanics nearly 13 times as likely to report using illicit drugs. The study also found that acculturated Hispanics were more likely to engage in binge drinking and bender drinking.
New research from Duke University reveals that the way genes are used in humans differs significantly from that of chimps and other primates. The study found dramatic differences in gene regulation related to brain development and diet, which may have contributed to human adaptability and susceptibility to certain diseases.
A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh found that bacterial vaginosis (BV) risk escalates when even one partner is African-American, increasing preterm birth risks. BV affects up to 50% of women in some populations and can lead to herpes and other STIs.
A study by Ohio State University sociologist Paul von Hippel found that students in year-round schools showed similar improvement in math and reading test scores compared to traditional nine-month schools. While disadvantaged children may gain slightly more in reading, the overall impact on academics is minimal.
NCAR has added a powerful BlueGene/L system to the TeraGrid, providing up to 4.5 million processor-hours of computing power annually. This enhances the nation's comprehensive infrastructure for open scientific research, increasing the TeraGrid's total computing capability and data storage.
Researchers used X-ray images to study tracheal systems in four beetle species, finding that larger beetles devote more space to tracheal tubes. This discovery suggests that leg size is a key limiting factor for insect body size, explaining the extinction of giant insects.
VictorTango, a Virginia Tech engineering and geography student team, is among semi-finalists competing in DARPA's Urban Challenge for $2 million. Their custom-designed drive-by-wire control system and navigation software enable the vehicle to make driving decisions almost human-like.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that recombinant human thrombin reduces surgical complications and stops bleeding in 95 percent of patients within 10 minutes. The treatment also has a lower risk of antibody development compared to current standard blood-clotting treatments.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a new gene, XBP1, that contributes to Tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells. This finding may enable oncologists to screen women for responsiveness to these treatments and provide a clue for reversing resistance.
Researchers found genomic determinants underlying alcohol and tobacco use on chromosomes 1, 3, and 4. A common locus for both was discovered on chromosome 1, with a linked area for smoking also present. The study suggests sex-specific genetic factors may contribute to the observed sex differences in alcohol and tobacco use rates.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute developed a technique called optical 3D far-field microscopy using photoswitchable rhodamine amides, allowing for highly resolved 3D images of transparent fluorescence-marked samples. The method can capture nanoscale resolution with good signal-to-noise ratio and relatively short exposure times.
Research reveals abnormal fat metabolism as a key factor in the development of heart disease among diabetics. Brief caloric restriction can lead to dramatic accumulation of triglycerides and cardiac hemodynamic dysfunction in transgenic myocardium expressing human calcium-independent phospholipase A2γ.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that overweight children are at a greater risk of school absenteeism compared to their normal-weight peers. The study, which analyzed over 1,000 students in grades 4-6, found that overweight children were absent on average 20% more often than their peers.
Researchers found that impaired energy production in heart muscle may underlie heart failure in some hypertensive patients. A protein called estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERR alpha) helps the heart keep up with energy-draining conditions like high blood pressure.
Researchers developed a self-test tool using data from an undersea mission to assess stress, fatigue and cognitive fitness in astronauts. The test involves a vigilance task and cortisol measurements to evaluate the effects of prolonged space missions on mental performance.
Researchers found that green tea concentrate increased GST enzyme activity by up to 80% in people with low levels, suggesting a potential mechanism for its anti-cancer properties. The study suggests that green tea may help strengthen metabolic defense against toxins capable of causing cancer.
Researchers at the University of Bonn found that MRI is substantially more accurate than mammography in detecting very early stages of breast cancer, including preinvasive DCIS. The study detected 167 cases of early breast cancer, with MRI identifying 152 cases and mammography detecting only 93 cases.
Researchers found that acid reflux disease can lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition where normal skin-like cells turn into tougher, more acid-resistant cells. This transformation may increase the risk of cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.
A recent study published in Immunity reveals that the presence of pro-death proteins Bax and Bak is necessary for healthy immune function, specifically in T-cell cells. The absence of these proteins disrupts calcium signaling pathways, leading to reduced energy production and impaired cell division.
The discovery explains how plants time their growth to take advantage of resources such as light and water. The researchers found that the circadian clock regulates nearly every step in the auxin signaling pathway, with activity peaking late at night when water is most available.
Scientists have found a direct link between mitochondrial DNA variants and metabolic markers for type 2 diabetes in rats. The study, published in Genome Research, highlights the role of mitochondrial genome variation in common diseases.
A team of scientists at NIAID has developed a strategy to generate vaccines and therapeutic antibodies that can target predicted H5N1 mutants before they emerge. By identifying key mutations in the HA protein, they created vaccines and isolated new antibodies that could neutralize both bird- and human-adapted forms of the virus.
A study published in JCI reveals that Gq/G11-mediated signaling plays a crucial role in transmitting TSH-induced signals, regulating thyroid gland function. Mice lacking the alpha-subunits of both Gq and G11 exhibited reduced thyroid gland function and symptoms similar to hypothyroidism.
A new study is expected to reveal the true cost of persistent pain in Australia, with an estimated 1 in 5 Australians suffering from relentless pain. The research aims to identify priority actions to ease suffering and save healthcare dollars.
A regional study of Peru's Amazon found that land-use policies have kept large-scale rain forest damage in check, but recent disturbances increased near roads, with forests protected by the government being more secure than those without conservation designations.
Twenty-two researchers honored for developing new antipsychotic medication, cost-effective polyester production process, iron-overload treatment, corn-based products, and innovative packaging solutions. The ACS awards recognize industrial chemists whose work has led to significant improvements in human welfare and progress.
Researchers at OHSU have created a technique to produce human liver cells in mice, which can be used to test how pharmaceuticals are metabolized. This innovation has the potential to change the way drugs are tested and could lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases such as hepatitis C and malaria.
Reduced glutathione levels contribute to heart disease due to alpha B-Crystallin mutation; new class of drugs targets genetic pathway.
A team of scientists from EMBL has uncovered the assembly mechanism of a bipolar spindle in oocytes, allowing them to accurately separate chromosomes. This process is crucial for proper egg development and fertilization.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a method called 'radiance caching' to efficiently render images with smoke, fog, and other visual effects. This approach cuts computational time and energy by reusing previously computed lighting values.
Researchers concluded that warfarin reduces stroke risk by 52% compared to aspirin in patients over 75 with atrial fibrillation. The study found no significant increase in bleeding risks associated with warfarin use.
A new research published in Science magazine reveals a significant increase in black carbon in Arctic snow during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to industrial pollution. The study, led by Drs. Joe McConnell and Ross Edwards, found that soot concentrations rose substantially, leading to changes in Arctic climate forcing.
Two new five-year contracts will study oral, off-patent antibiotics for treating skin and soft tissue CA-MRSA infections. If successful, these antibiotics could be used to delay resistance development to vancomycin.
Iron deficiency affects an estimated 2 billion people, leading to poor pregnancy outcomes, impaired school performance, and decreased productivity. Genetic engineering can increase iron content in staple crops like rice and improve bioavailability by introducing genes that break down phytate.
Recent progress in preventing and treating end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the US is cause for cautious optimism, with improvements in survival expectations and increased use of fistulas for hemodialysis. However, skyrocketing costs are a major concern, with Medicare costs reaching $20.1 billion in 2004.
Permafrost thaw accelerates rates of melting in northern ecosystems, leading to complex impacts on greenhouse gas fluxes from peatlands. While initial degradation may result in increased carbon sequestration, high methane emissions will eventually outweigh this reduction, posing a significant challenge for climate change mitigation.
A recent study by MUHC and McGill University has shed light on the mechanisms triggering cancer cell growth, potentially leading to targeted therapies. The research discovered that ubiquitin promotes interactions between proteins Cb-b, which plays a crucial role in mitigating uncontrolled cell proliferation.
TableSeer automates table extraction and searching across documents, improving efficiency for researchers. The engine's innovative ranking algorithm, TableRank, also identifies frequently cited tables in search results.
A study published in JCI Journals reveals that Gq/G11-mediated signaling plays a crucial role in regulating thyroid gland function. Mice lacking these proteins had impaired thyroid function and symptoms similar to hypothyroidism, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets for hyperthyroidism.
A study by researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has identified a link between inflammatory protein Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) and breast cancer, highlighting a new pathway for potential clinical interventions. The research found that TNFa activates an enzyme that inactivates tumor-suppressing genes...
A re-analysis of the data used in a controversial meta-analysis suggests that rosiglitazone's cardiovascular risks may not be as high as initially reported. The study finds that only prospective clinical trials can definitively establish the drug's safety.
A woman who suffered a brain bleed and aphasia due to a bicycle accident began hearing her own thoughts aloud and hallucinating hospital staff's voices. Her symptoms improved with treatment, but her experiences suggest that auditory hallucinations can arise from neurological conditions affecting speech processing.