A team led by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory has developed a fully integrated prosthetic arm that can be controlled naturally and provide sensory feedback, with eight degrees of freedom. The prototype, Proto 1, was fitted for clinical evaluations and demonstrated substantial improvements in functional testing.
A new immunosuppression regimen for heart transplant patients has been found to improve kidney function and prevent transplant coronary artery disease. The study, led by Sudhir Kushwaha, used sirolimus as an alternative to calcineurin inhibitors, with consistent improvement in kidney function in stable patients.
Scientists have successfully demonstrated a novel terahertz (THz) imaging technique that can capture high-quality images of objects from distances of up to 25 meters. The approach utilizes a quantum cascade laser and detector, which are designed to minimize water absorption in the THz spectrum.
A UK collaboration of scientists has identified three new genes that predispose individuals to develop type 2 diabetes. The study confirms the link between two previously-identified genes and brings the total number of genes known to be involved in the disease to nine.
Researchers are testing optimal conditions for microalgae growth in outdoor settings to optimize large-volume cultures for biofuel production. The warm Florida climate makes large-scale production a possibility, and the process has potential to remove carbon dioxide from the air.
Researchers confirmed a direct link between volcanic eruptions and global warming, with sea surface temperatures rising by up to six degrees in the Arctic. The study analyzed ash layers and marine fossil records to establish this connection about 55 million years ago.
Research presented at the American Academy of Neurology's meeting found that more women are developing MS than men, with a nearly 50% increase in the female-to-male ratio over the past few decades. The study suggests that various changes in lifestyle and environmental factors may be contributing to this trend.
A recent study monitored the reproductive health of adolescent girls perinatally infected with HIV, revealing a higher than expected rate of cervical abnormalities. Nearly half of the girls had abnormal cervical cells, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Researchers developed an efficient algorithm to create vaccines that can combat the genetic diversity of HIV-1. The algorithm captures immunogens for both the Nef and Gag proteins, reflecting high-frequency viral strains and their mutations.
The World Health Organization's guidelines for treating pneumonia in children under one year old are inadequate and require revision. High failure rates were found among HIV-infected and exposed infants, with polymicrobial infections being a key predictor of treatment failure.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry published several studies revealing new insights into cholesterol metabolism without oxygen, a compound effective against blood cancer, bacteria's quorum sensing mechanism, and HIV infection. These discoveries could lead to the development of new pharmaceuticals and treatments for related diseases.
A recent study by the University of Alberta highlights the need for improved reporting and surveillance to better understand the incidence of adverse events in children treated with spinal manipulation. Serious injuries, such as stroke and paraplegia, were found to be rare but warrant further investigation.
Researchers discovered a new way lung tumors become resistant to targeted therapy drugs like Iressa and Tarceva, involving the activation of an oncogene that bypasses blocked growth signal. A potential new treatment strategy using combination therapy against both protein targets is suggested for patients with resistant tumors.
Researchers found that treating expectant mothers with 17 Alpha Hydroxyprogesterone caproate reduces short-term and lifetime medical costs in offspring by an estimated $2 billion annually. This could lead to significant cost savings for the US healthcare system, making it a promising preventive measure against preterm births.
Researchers identified loss of Fibulin-2 as a breast cancer progression marker, which can be restored with protein reintroduction. Breast cancer cells can reversibly alter their phenotype through manipulations like antibody binding to fibronectin, and DNA reversion can be overturned by removing the stimuli.
New research shows that dogs selectively imitate actions, adjusting to circumstances like human infants. The study found that dogs use their mouths instead of paws when the demonstrator's mouth is occupied.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are developing low-cost LED lighting modules that can be used in buildings and on roads, offering a potential 25-50% reduction in energy consumption. The project aims to tackle thermal and electrical issues associated with high-powered LEDs.
Researchers have identified at least four new genetic variants associated with increased risk of diabetes and confirmed the existence of six more, boosting the number of known genetic variants to 10. These findings may lead to personalized medicine approaches by exploring how these genetic factors interact with lifestyle factors.
A microRNA in mouse immune cells is shown to balance the response of immune defenses, with its equivalent human gene playing a vital role. Knockout mice develop autoimmune symptoms and are less resistant to bacterial infections, highlighting the importance of this microRNA in the immune system.
A new study published in Science sheds light on the dim layer of the ocean known as the twilight zone, which affects the ocean's ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide. The research found that only a small percentage of carbon transported to the depths is stored, with most being recycled in the twilight zone.
Dr. Frances M. Ashcroft's research discovered a rare genetic form of diabetes, permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus, and developed a treatment allowing children to switch from daily insulin injections to a daily pill. The American Physiological Society presented her with the Walter B. Cannon Award.
The US Army's Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Program aims to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with ASD. The program promotes innovative research that advances understanding and leads to better treatments.
A new study reveals that Western scrub-jays can anticipate their future needs independently of their current motivation. The birds store food in places where they will be hungry and recover it at a later date. This innovative behavior demonstrates the birds' ability to plan ahead, a feature previously thought to be uniquely human.
A U of M-led study has identified 10 new genetic risk factors for type 2 diabetes, which could lead to the development of new drugs and more effective treatments. The findings also improve our understanding of how these genetic factors interact with lifestyle factors.
Syphilis rates among US gay and bisexual men have seen a significant increase, rising by 19% between 2000 and 2003. The rates jumped by 62% among men, with 62% of those infected being gay or bisexual, while rates among women continued to slide.
A genome-wide search has uncovered three novel regions of human DNA that contain clear genetic risk factors for type 2 diabetes, as well as a genomic region associated with elevated blood triglycerides. The study reveals surprising new avenues for disease research, treatment and prevention.
A study of retired NFL players found nearly 15% experienced moderate to severe depression, with chronic pain levels nearly half of the population. The study also highlighted connections between depression, pain, and other issues like sleep, fitness, and social support.
Research suggests that older adults excel in situations where they rely on emotions and past experiences, but struggle when faced with unfamiliar information. The study highlights the importance of tailoring advice to the individual's cognitive abilities.
Autopsies continue to reveal major pre-death diagnostic errors in around 30% of cases, highlighting their importance in improving national mortality data. The procedure also teaches valuable lessons about the inherent uncertainty in medical practice and is integral to training and development for doctors.
A teenage girl in London collapsed in a nightclub after taking 1-benzylpiperazine tablets, highlighting the dangers of this new drug. Analysis revealed the presence of the substance in her blood and seized tablet, which was linked to similar symptoms in seven other patients.
Researchers found a unique pattern of gene expression in rats that may be linked to a conditioned desire for food and excessive food intake. Food-associated cues triggered dramatic changes in brain regions involved in adaptive behavior, such as the amygdala and nucleus accumbens.
Scientists have found that pretreating corn plant tissue with hot water increases ethanol yields by exposing minute pores of the cell walls, allowing enzymes to break down cellulose more efficiently. This discovery could lead to a viable method for large-scale production of cellulosic ethanol, a key component of green fuels.
Scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered a cellular protein, PAK1, that interferes with hepatitis C virus replication. The finding may lead to new drug development to fight the virus, which affects approximately 170 million people worldwide.
A study published in Science reveals that massive volcanic eruptions 55 million years ago led to a five-to-six-degree Celsius jump in ocean temperatures, linked to the creation of the North Atlantic Ocean. The prehistoric activity released over 2,000 gigatonnes of carbon into the atmosphere, similar to today's greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers have identified a key gene, PUB8, that regulates the expression of SRK and SCR genes, crucial for self-incompatibility in plants like Arabidopsis. This finding may enable the development of hybrid seeds and improve crop yields.
A scoring system based on weight, gender, age, blood pressure and clot risk accurately predicts patient mortality after gastric bypass surgery. The system categorizes patients as low-risk, medium-risk or high-risk, with those in the high-risk group facing a six times higher mortality rate.
A new report from the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies explores the potential of nanotechnology to build an environmentally sustainable society. The report highlights several promising applications, including the use of nanoparticles to clean up toxic waste sites and reduce lead emissions in electronics manufacturing.
Female ixodid ticks exhibit remarkable weight gain following mating, with some species increasing in size up to 100 times their original size. This phenomenon is linked to the tick's unique lifestyle and reproductive strategy, which involves prolonged feeding periods and specialized signals triggered by copulation.
A recent Comment in The Lancet highlights the pessimism among doctors regarding professionalism and their disconnection from debates on the subject. However, the Royal College of Physicians' two-year inquiry has started to provide valuable lessons that can shape systemic change.
A recent study published in Cell Stem Cell found that nearly half of couples who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) chose to donate their surplus embryos for stem cell research. The key factor was a clear explanation of the options, which helped couples navigate the legal situation and address concerns about donation.
Reducing time interval for transported organs has been shown to increase survivorship and improve outcomes in heart transplant patients. The Organ Care System (OCS) uses warm blood perfusion technology to maintain organs in a living state during transport, allowing for evaluation of organ function and reducing cold ischemic time.
Researchers found people taking levodopa were 95% more likely to choose symbols associated with higher monetary gains than those on haloperidol. Dopamine depletion may lead to lack of motivation in Parkinson's disease patients.