Researchers have identified Müller glial cells with stem cell properties that can regenerate the retina and restore vision in zebrafish. The team hopes to develop this approach for human use, potentially using a person's own cells to stimulate growth and repair.
A University of Minnesota team found that the TOPK enzyme, which regulates cell growth and other functions, promotes transformation in colorectal carcinoma by activating related enzymes. This suggests that drugs targeting TOPK could have anti-cancer benefits.
A randomized controlled trial found that group psychotherapy was effective in reducing depression symptoms among displaced adolescent girls, but not boys, who were survivors of war in northern Uganda. The intervention also showed promise for helping adolescents living in poor, rural, and illiterate communities.
A leading expert challenges the theory that an Indonesian mud volcano was triggered by an earthquake. Professor Richard Davies of Durham University's Centre for Research into Earth Energy Systems says drilling operations are more likely to be responsible.
A study of 169 former Ugandan and Congolese child soldiers found that those with PTSD symptoms were less open to reconciliation and had more feelings of revenge towards their enemies. The research highlights the need for psychological recovery for war-affected children, such as child soldiers.
Researchers found a marked resemblance between molecular etiology of neurons in animal models and humans with HD, making them relevant for studying the disease and testing treatments. The study's findings have important consequences for preclinical drug testing.
A Mayo Clinic-led collaborative study finds that focused ultrasound treatment of uterine fibroids offers sustained symptom relief and durable outcomes. The more complete destruction of tumors by focused ultrasound results in improved quality of life and lower incidence of severe side effects.
Researchers developed a cell-free system to investigate microRNA function, providing unprecedented insight into how miRNAs repress translation. The study resolves the current conflict over miRNA action by showing that miRNAs recruit complexes containing Ago2 and GW182 proteins.
A new University of Delaware research project aims to engineer functional vocal cord tissue to replace scarred, rigid tissue. The team is developing novel biomaterials that mimic the molecular composition and mechanical responsiveness of natural extracellular matrices, with the goal of improving pliability and preventing scarring.
Researchers at Purdue University have created gold nanoparticles that can identify marker proteins on breast cancer cells, offering a potential tool for better diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The technology has the potential to provide high-quality data at a lower cost than existing methods.
Researchers found structural and functional abnormalities in specific brain regions associated with chronic auditory hallucinations in schizophrenic patients. The study used MRI to identify biological markers for treatment and monitor patient response.
A clinical trial is underway to assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous carbamazepine in adult patients with epilepsy. The new treatment aims to provide an alternative to oral therapy during hospitalization or when oral administration is not feasible.
A University of Oregon research team has found that barn owls' exceptional spatial hearing abilities can help pinpoint problems in the human brain, including those related to hearing and behavior. The study used infrared monitoring to track changes in pupil dilation responses influenced by sound sources around an owl.
A recent study found that magnetic resonance CAD significantly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of liver fibrosis, outperforming experienced radiologists in detection and grading.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study documents high rates of HIV infection among young Nepalese girls trafficked to India, with 60.6% infected among those trafficked prior to age 15. The study highlights the dire health consequences of sex trafficking and the need for improved prevention measures.
The new dredge, which uses jets of water to lift scallops off the seafloor without physically contacting it, caught 50-60% of a normal catch rate in field tests. This technology has the potential to reduce damage to marine habitat and catch essential fish species.
The Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database offers a comprehensive resource for researchers to identify genes linked to bipolar disorder, utilizing over 5,000 patients' clinical data and DNA samples. This database complements existing genetic data and enables researchers to correlate specific symptoms with genetic material.
Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center found that brain areas process signals as progressive waves, coordinating a collective pattern from millions of neurons. This challenges traditional models and has the potential to help understand Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's.
A new UC Irvine study suggests that co-infection of multiple HIV particles may be the key to preventing deadly strains from emerging and triggering the onset of AIDS. By blocking this process, scientists might be able to ward off AIDS, keeping patients healthy despite carrying the virus.
A study by Melissa A. Schilling and Corey C. Phelps found that large-scale alliance networks with high clustering and reach enhance firm innovation. The research analyzed 1,106 firms in 11 industry-level alliance networks over a six-year period.
Researchers have developed a 3D computer model to analyze the cranial mechanics and bite force of the Great White Shark. The study used high-resolution simulations to estimate the maximum forces that Great Whites can exert, with implications for protecting submarine cables and communication systems.
MDCT angiography is highly accurate in depicting intracranial aneurysms, outperforming digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in diagnostic accuracy. The technique can quickly determine the possibility of using minimally invasive treatment rather than open surgery.
Researchers at MGH confirm that bone marrow transplantation after chemotherapy restores fertility in female mice, with donor-derived egg cells observed but not involved in fertilization. The study also reveals that resuming mating and bone marrow transplants shortly after chemotherapy improve fertility rates.
A new University of Missouri-Columbia study is investigating whether family pets could be a reservoir for infections of multi-resistant bacteria in humans. Researchers are collecting samples from 750 pairs of owners and pets to track the spread of diseases such as MRSA.
A study of Ontario prison inmates found injection drug use was the leading risk factor for HIV and HCV infections, with rates 11-22 times higher than in the general population. Targeted education and prevention efforts are recommended to address the high rates of recidivism and short stays in remand facilities.
An international team of astronomers has discovered a new type of active galaxy that was previously overlooked due to its heavy shrouding in gas and dust. The newly found galaxies are thought to comprise around 20% of the X-ray background, providing insight into supermassive black holes and their role in controlling galaxy formation.
Healthcare leaders support creation of a national quality agenda, fundamental payment reform, and care integration to improve quality and efficiency. The survey found consensus for strategies such as health information technology mandate, financial incentives, and public reporting of provider performance.
Researchers have discovered large colonies of glass sponges thriving on the seafloor off Washington state, extending the range of reef-building species into open ocean. The sponge reefs support a dense ecosystem of sea life, including zooplankton, fish and crustaceans, in a previously sparsely populated area.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists have identified a protein that prevents the body's immune system from recognizing and attacking Hodgkin lymphoma cells. They are now investigating targeted therapies to disable this molecular 'bodyguard' and boost a patient's ability to fight the blood cancer.
University of Michigan scientists are creating nanoparticles that can deliver morphine to wounded soldiers faster and more safely. The goal is to develop tiny drug-bearing particles that a fellow soldier could inject with a pen-like device, even in combat.
A new study published in Psychological Science found strong support for consensus among instant runoff and three classic voting methods: Condorcet, Borda count, and Plurality. This contradicts past research that highlighted worst-case scenarios and the mathematical impossibility of a single universally 'best' election method.
The clinical effectiveness of topical negative pressure therapy for wound healing is unclear, according to a review by the BMJ Specialty Journals. The technique has been used to treat various types of wounds, but many studies have been flawed, casting doubt on its validity and reliability.
A survey of UK nurses found that many primary care surgeries lack effective obesity support, with only 14% having a well-developed programme. Despite this, 89% recognize the need for more support and 88% believe health risks are not overstated.
A study by UCF researchers found that insulin produced in genetically modified lettuce can restore normal blood sugar levels in diabetic mice. If successful in human trials, the method could affect millions of diabetics worldwide and reduce healthcare costs.
The W.M. Keck Foundation has selected six promising young scientists for its Distinguished Young Scholars program, awarding each a $1 million grant to pursue groundbreaking research in biomedicine. The recipients aim to advance our understanding of human disease and develop new treatments.
A recent study published in Human Resources for Health found that international health volunteers have a positive impact on capacity building and resource allocation in low-income countries. However, junior and inexperienced NGO volunteers often lack the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively in these settings.
Researchers identified a significant genetic link between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with evidence of clustering within families over six generations. The study found increased risk ratios for relatives of affected individuals, indicating a common genetic component for both conditions.
Researchers created a genetically engineered mouse that models both anatomical and behavioral defects of schizophrenia, a complex brain disorder. The new mouse is based on a genetic change in the DISC1 gene, which affects nerve cell function, and shows characteristic defects in brain structure and behavior.
A new study found that African Americans on death row for killing non-whites are less likely to be executed than other condemned prisoners. Blacks who kill whites face a higher risk of execution, with a disparity in execution rates based on the race of victims.
Researchers at the University of Houston are presenting new material innovations that have potential applications in consumer electronics and fuel cell research. These advancements include hybrid nanomaterials for energy conversion devices, a Pd membrane reactor to convert fuels into hydrogen for electricity production in fuel cells.
A study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine reveals that farmers scored lowest on measures of productivity, health status, and quality of life. Despite having more control over their work, farmers experience high levels of stress and need increased social and emotional support.
Jan Löwe's groundbreaking research elucidated the structure and function of proteins involved in bacterial cell division, showcasing the complexity and sophistication of bacterial cells. His work highlights the importance of structural biology in understanding fundamental biological mechanisms.
The study found that patients at 5-star hospitals had a 64% lower chance of developing major complications compared to those at 1-star hospitals. High-volume hospitals also performed laparoscopic procedures more frequently, resulting in shorter hospital stays.
The Chicago Project for Violence Prevention has received a $1.7 million grant to expand CeaseFire, a public health and epidemic control approach, to cities outside of Illinois. The program will be implemented in Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Newark, N.J., and aims to reduce shootings and killings through community mobilization and outreach.
A new study found that racial disparities play a significant role in the development of disability among older adults with arthritis. The study, which included over 7,200 respondents, showed that African Americans and Hispanic/Spanish groups experienced significantly higher rates of disability compared to whites.
According to historian James Anderson, the Fourteenth Amendment and recent Supreme Court decisions prohibit race-conscious school assignment. Anderson's article debunks the myth of a 'color-blind' US Constitution by examining historical records of Reconstruction legislation and its impact on citizenship and equal rights.
A Rutgers study found that moderate caffeine intake combined with exercise can protect against UVB radiation-induced skin damage. Apoptosis rates increased by 95% in caffeine drinkers, 120% in exercisers, and nearly 400% in those who drank and exercised.
A new theory proposes that learning skills, such as flying, accelerates the evolution of innate abilities in birds by creating a latent memory that reduces the need for future generations to learn. This is achieved through the use of distributed representations in neural networks, which allows for faster evolution of adaptive behaviors.
A study in mice shows that switching off a single malfunctioning gene can halt the growth of tumor cells and turn them back to their normal life cycle. The researchers found that cancer cells retained the ability to undergo senescence, a natural mechanism that causes cells to die when they become old or dysfunctional.
Research found that cannabis smoking damages lungs, reducing fine airways and blocking large airways. The extent of damage is linked to the number of joints smoked, with higher consumption resulting in greater incapacity.
Researchers found that oral calcitonin effectively protects against articular cartilage degradation and surface erosions in ovariectomized rats, a model for postmenopausal women. Calcitonin worked better than estrogen therapy, preventing cartilage erosions completely.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that low birth weights among African-American women are more closely related to racism, stress, and socioeconomic factors than genetics. The report highlights the impact of institutional and interpersonal discrimination on infant health outcomes.
A recent genomics study has identified genes and gene families associated with human traits such as endurance running and cognitive function. The study found that gene copy number variations in humans may have contributed to the evolution of these traits, with some genes being unique to the human lineage.
A six-month study found that a medication initially used for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease improved memory and global function in people with severe Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive tests showed stabilization or improvement in 63% of participants taking the drug compared to 39% on placebo.
A study published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that penduline tit parents frequently abandon 1 in 3 clutches of eggs to pursue new mates. This unique breeding strategy allows for improved reproductive success but also poses risks for the young.
A study of 1607 Quebec prisoners found injection drug use was the leading risk factor for HIV and HCV infections. The majority of infected inmates reported being injection drug users before imprisonment, highlighting the need for pre-imprisonment testing and harm-reduction measures.
A trio of enzymes regulates cell size in bacteria by sensing nutrient availability, with disruptions leading to defects in chromosome segregation. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind uncontrolled growth in cancer cells.
Scientists at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered that NPD1 protects against RPE cell damage by triggering its synthesis and regulating its release. The research also found that NPD1 can counteract the effects of A2E, a toxic component that accumulates in the retina during aging and retinal degenerations.
The MIT team has successfully built a mechanical fin that can propel a submarine like a bluegill sunfish. The fin uses a propeller-driven system and is made of a cutting-edge polymer that conducts electricity.
Infants born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy had substantially higher systolic blood pressures compared to those whose mothers didn't smoke and weren't exposed to smoke. The study, which controlled for various factors, found a direct association between maternal smoking and newborn systolic blood pressure.