Scientists at CSIRO Australia are exploring the use of a new synchrotron to detect biochemical changes in Tasmanian devil hair that could indicate facial tumour disease. This could lead to the development of an early detection test, making quarantine strategies more efficient and effective.
Elyn Saks, a highly successful academic, has battled schizophrenia since adolescence. Despite hiding her illness, she has published a memoir and now advocates for mental health awareness, hoping to reduce stigma.
A study found that persons with narcolepsy with cataplexy have significantly lower levels of CSF hypocretin-1 than those without cataplexy or other conditions. Patients with low hypocretin-1 values experienced more severe cataplectic attacks.
Mayo Clinic physicians found that obese patients who received an obesity diagnosis were more likely to form a weight loss management plan than those without a diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of proactive discussion between physicians and patients about obesity, a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded over $15 million in grants to support the development of innovative technologies for DNA sequencing. The goal is to reduce the cost of sequencing a mammalian-sized genome to $100,000, enabling the widespread use of personalized medicine.
Twelve native Australian fruits have been found to be exceptional sources of antioxidants, surpassing blueberries in radical scavenging activities. The study confirms the potential of Australia's native food industry, estimated to be worth $14 million annually, with research aimed at developing new phytochemicals for use in foods.
A nationwide outcome study reveals anorexia as a common, severe but highly transient illness, with most women recovering before age 30. The study found that anorexic symptoms usually started between ages 10 and 25 and took 5-10 years to resolve.
A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that people with a variation in the GRIK4 gene are more likely to respond to citalopram, an antidepressant medication. Researchers also discovered that variations in another gene, HTR2A, make people more likely to respond as well.
Researchers found that nimesulide, a COX-2 inhibitor, delayed the development of precancerous pancreatic lesions in mice by 90%, potentially offering a new approach to preventing pancreatic cancer in high-risk populations. The study suggests that inhibiting COX-2 may help slow or prevent the progression of pancreatic cancer.
A survey of 131 medical residents found that they scored poorly in diagnosing and managing tuberculosis, with a median score of just 55 percent. Despite this, most residents understood the main facts about how the disease is transmitted, highlighting the need for improved training in outpatient settings.
Studies with monkeys reveal that specific parietal cortex areas process distinct aspects of 3D space, including depth structure and two-dimensional shape. These findings provide insights into the neural basis of primate visual perception and manipulation of objects.
Scientists identify unique surveillance system that detects and eliminates defective messenger RNAs from red blood cells. This breakthrough understanding could lead to new treatments for thalassemia and other genetic disorders affecting the production of hemoglobin proteins.
Researchers have discovered a new vaccine strategy that effectively protects mice and guinea pigs from tuberculosis, targeting immune cells known as CD8+ T cells. The study suggests a potential breakthrough in developing a more effective vaccine for all individuals, including adolescents and adults.
A study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of invasive cervical cancer cases globally. The researchers analyzed data on over 14,000 invasive and high-grade cases to estimate the prevalence of different virus types.
A woman with damaged ovaries due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy received a successful transplant from her genetically non-identical sister, restoring her ovarian function. After six months, she started menstruating and had mature oocytes retrieved for fertilization.
A study found that 81% of visits for children with sleep difficulties resulted in a medication prescription. The most commonly prescribed medications were often not FDA-approved for this age group, highlighting the need for better labeling and safety guidelines.
Captive orangutans intentionally modify or repeat hand signals based on success or failure, signaling their comprehension level. They adjust their strategy depending on whether they are partially or completely understood, aiming to achieve a shared understanding.
A new study by researchers at the University of Iowa found that specialty orthopedic hospitals have a 40% lower risk of complications compared to general hospitals for Medicare patients undergoing hip or knee replacement. Despite admitting fewer complex cases, specialty hospitals still exhibit better outcomes.
A recent study by UCLA researchers found that at least 100 of the 599 documented cigarette additives have pharmacological effects, including enhancing or maintaining nicotine delivery. The study highlights a need for regulation of these additives to address concerns over addictiveness and environmental impact.
Researchers developed a new vaccine strategy that uses a protein-free M. Tuberculosis strain to activate immune cells, providing increased protection against TB. A study found that vaccination with this strain provided better protection than the existing BCG vaccine.
Scientists from around the world present convergent views on the 'memory of water' concept, which suggests that water can display memory effects. Researchers found large-scale structural changes in liquid water, potentially accounting for claims of memory of water effects.
The study explores how the brain processes musical movements and transitions, finding two distinct networks involved in perceiving these events. The ventral region detects salient events, while the dorsal region focuses attention on event boundaries, forming a tightly coupled network that maintains attention during movement transitions.
The Ecological Society of America recognizes Daniel Laughlin, Carolyn Kurle, Paul Fine, Jordi Bascompte, and Carol Brewer for their outstanding contributions to ecology. The awards honor excellence in research, education, and corporate sustainability.
A study of 125 kidney tumors treated with radiofrequency ablation showed a high cure rate and low complication rate. The procedure achieved a 93% success rate for all treated tumors, making it an alternative method for patients who are not good surgical candidates.
A genetically altered strain of tuberculosis has been developed that elicits a stronger immune response than the current vaccine, improving survival of infected animals. The new vaccine may help replace BCG, which is largely ineffective, and could lead to significant reductions in TB-related mortality.
Researchers have found clear evidence that a major Alaskan earthquake in 2002 triggered tremor episodes on Vancouver Island, revealing the presence of slow-slip events in a subduction zone. The tremors were measured by seismometers and lasted about 15 seconds, providing valuable insights into the rupture process.
VIB researchers have discovered that oral intake of allergens via the lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis can treat various autoimmune and allergic disorders. This innovative strategy, patented by VIB, is being developed into biopharmaceutical medicines by ActoGeniX.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique to precisely control the spectral properties of ultrafast light pulses, enabling the creation of advanced optical sensors for detecting hazardous materials and pollutants. The technique, called optical arbitrary waveform generation, also has potential applications in ultra-sen...
A new study suggests that acute leukemia patients with a specific genetic mutation may benefit from aggressive therapy to extend their disease-free survival. Researchers found that treating patients with the MLL-PTD mutation with an autologous stem cell transplant significantly reduced early relapses.
Research at the Medical College of Georgia found that regular brushing can cause minor cell damage, leading to increased calcium influx and triggering internal membrane repair. This process may promote gum health by stimulating collagen growth and strengthening tissue response to mechanical stress.
Researchers genetically modified a plant to halt reproduction of cauliflower mosaic virus, which attacks the same protein complex used by HIV. The plant's protein complex involves two genes that can be blocked to prevent viral replication.
A research team, including UC Riverside biologists, has found experimental evidence supporting a theory of genetic conflict in the reproduction of fish that bear placentas. The conflict is likened to an
In the circumstellar environment, newly formed elements make compounds and life takes off for the first time. The shells around dying stars enable a chemistry that produced grains older than our sun itself.
Researchers at the University of York have developed urothelial cell sheets that regenerate to repair damage, paving the way for engineered bladders. Pharmaceutical companies will soon be able to test therapies using these models.
A new study reveals that only 37% of the US population is eligible to donate blood, with approximately 60 million fewer individuals being eligible than previously thought. The lower donor pool estimate is based on a more stringent model that excludes high-risk individuals and those with chronic diseases.
A study found that mature forest produces almost 10 times as much sugar per hectare than recently logged forest, but overall honey yields are still high due to extensive flowering. Nectar production in young trees regrowing after logging is not significantly affected, contradicting beekeepers' concerns.
A report by the March of Dimes Foundation reveals that 122 pregnancies were exposed to Accutane despite a mandatory risk management program. The program, known as iPledge, aims to prevent pregnant women from being exposed to isotretinoin, a known teratogen.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have confirmed that a natural enzyme called phytase has helped Delaware chickens digest more phosphorus, reducing output in chicken manure. As a result, phosphorus loads to the environment have been reduced by some 2 million to 3 million pounds per year.
A new NYU study shows that phonics, holistic word recognition, and whole language approaches contribute substantially to reading speed. Letter-by-letter decoding accounts for 62% of reading speed, while holistic and whole-language processes add an additional 16% and 22%, respectively.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed flexible hydrogen sensors using single-walled carbon nanotubes, exhibiting high sensitivity and fast response time. The sensors can detect 1% hydrogen concentration in room temperature within 3 seconds and withstand bending and relaxation multiple times.
A University of Leicester study found that climate change contributes to forest fires in Central Siberia, with temperatures rising by almost two degrees Celsius. The changing climate has led to an earlier onset of spring, affecting the timing of plant growth and carbon uptake.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that hydrogen peroxide decreases the tensile strength of absorbable sutures. In contrast, cleaning with distilled water did not harm their strength. The study suggests that patients using hydrogen peroxide on such sutures may be at risk for weakened healing and hypertrophic scars.
Australian White Dorper breeders are utilizing a newly developed DNA test to identify and manage the genetic disorder dermatosparaxis, which causes extreme skin fragility. The disease has been reported in other breeds and can result in death or euthanasia if left unchecked.
Scientists at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have discovered the long-sought-after homo-oligomerization domain of Bax, a key regulator of apoptosis. This finding provides new insights into the protein's structure and function.
A study of 1,771 families found that child maltreatment rates were 42% higher during soldier deployments than at non-deployment times, with neglect being almost twice as high. The rate of child neglect was especially elevated among female civilian spouses whose husbands were deployed.
The University of Florida is leading a $9 million NIH-funded research project to better understand the life-threatening Aspergillus fungus, which affects cancer patients and transplant recipients. The repository will support research on developing accurate tests for detection, with goals to improve diagnostic accuracy and speed.
A study of repatriated Nepalese sex-trafficked girls and women found nearly 40% tested positive for HIV infection. Those trafficked prior to age 15 had higher rates of infection, with five times the increased odds of being detained in multiple brothels.
A new study reveals that child abuse and neglect rates nearly double when soldier-parents deploy for combat tours, leaving mothers at home to care for the children. The rate of physical abuse nearly doubles, and neglect increases four times higher in these cases.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable nanoparticle delivery system that uses magnetic forces to target specific cells in the body. The system has shown promise in reducing cell proliferation and delivering anti-growth genes to stents, which could help maintain blood flow.
A new triple combination therapy has been successful in abolishing adverse autoimmunity against insulin-producing cells in a mouse model of Type 1 diabetes. The treatment eliminated inflammation and restored normal blood glucose levels by blocking its effects on fat and muscle tissues.
Children with cancer in the UK have shorter survival rates compared to other European countries due to inadequate surveillance and care. Experts recommend rigorous assessment of routine surveillance and primary care to improve childhood cancer outcomes.
A comprehensive study by University of Texas researchers reveals 237 complex motivations for human sex, including physical, emotional, and insecurity-based factors. The findings challenge common assumptions about the simplicity of human sexuality.
A Virginia Tech mathematician is working on reducing the computational challenges associated with simulating large-scale dynamical systems by employing rational Krylov methods. This approach enables the creation of reduced-order models, which significantly shorten computation times while maintaining accuracy.
A team of scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has shown that stem cells engineered to secrete a key growth factor can protect motor neurons characteristic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but not restore muscle connections. The study demonstrates promise for cell-based therapies in diseases with few treatment options.
A Northwestern University study found that electrical activity in the brain is altered within 200 milliseconds when viewing subliminal emotional expressions, leading to biased ratings of facial expressions. Those with anxiety tend to exhibit stronger brain responses to fear-primed expressions.
Research by Dr James Chin and colleagues reveals that antibiotics not only kill bad bacteria but also maintain a pool of resistant genes within microbial communities. This means that subsequent therapy with another antibiotic may be ineffective due to increased resistance.
Researchers found group interpersonal psychotherapy effective in reducing depressive symptoms among adolescent girls affected by war and displacement. In contrast, the same treatment was less effective for boys. The study suggests that additional interventions may be needed to address depression and anxiety in boys.
A survey of adults displaced by war in northern Uganda found high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. The study also showed that individuals with PTSD symptoms were more likely to favor violent means to end the conflict, while those with depression symptoms were less likely to identify nonviolence as a solution.
A multicenter study compared screening methods in high-risk women, finding that MRI accurately identifies tumors missed by mammography and ultrasound. The study suggests that women at high risk for breast cancer can benefit from undergoing screening MRI to detect more cancers.
Older adults experience cognitive decline that affects their ability to comprehend humor, according to Washington University researchers. However, this decline does not mean they cannot understand humor, and previous experiences, preferences, and personality play a significant role in humor comprehension.