The Biophysical Society has awarded 14 individuals for their exceptional contributions to the field of biophysics. These awards recognize achievements in areas such as lipids and membrane biology, education, single molecule biology, and computational biology.
Dr. Andrej Romanovsky has been awarded a $1.8 million grant to study the mechanisms of fever and hypothermia in systemic inflammation. His research aims to gain insight into the therapeutic use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Severely obese patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery show significant reductions in mortality rates from coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The study found a 56% lower mortality rate from coronary heart disease, a 60% lower death rate from cancer, and a 92% lower death rate from diabetes.
Researchers found that vitamin E's antioxidant effect is only significant at high doses, exceeding previously used amounts in clinical trials. The optimal dose was determined to be around 1600 IU/day for maximum suppression of oxidative stress.
Researchers at BRIC, University of Copenhagen, identified a new gene family (UTX-JMJD3) controlling embryonic development and stem cell maintenance. The discovery may contribute to understanding cancer development and therapeutic use of stem cells.
A chemist warns that the skin-care industry is skipping out on science, potentially providing consumers with less effective products. The industry often focuses on replicating existing formulas rather than applying sound science to improve products, according to Stig E. Friberg, Ph.D.
Scientists have identified Marburg virus RNA genome and antibodies in African fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), providing new insight into a deadly disease that has long baffled epidemiologists. The discovery, published in PLoS ONE, offers potential for understanding transmission and development of a vaccine or drug therapy.
Researchers found that chlorogenic acid lactones, present in light to medium roast brews, are the dominant source of bitterness. Phenylindanes, derived from lactones, are found at higher levels in dark-roasted coffee and exhibit a more lingering, harsh taste.
University of Illinois researchers warn that higher corn prices are causing some farmers to ignore integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which could undermine the effectiveness of technologies that sustain them. IPM is a set of principles developed to minimize ecological impacts of pesticides and transgenic crops.
A Taiwanese study suggests that Four-Agents Decoction, an 800-year-old traditional Chinese herbal formula, may exhibit a beneficial effect on primary dysmenorrhea after extended treatment. However, the study did not detect significant pain reduction in the initial cycle. The authors recommend further research with larger sample sizes a...
A geologist is working with an international committee to develop an emergency plan for Quito, Ecuador, which sits near an active volcano. The plan aims to educate the public and government officials on the dangers of volcanic eruptions and provide escape routes.
By creating a mode-locked silicon evanescent laser, researchers have demonstrated the ability to produce stable short pulses of laser light at high repetition rates, up to 40 GHz, suitable for high-speed data transmission and other optical applications.
Researchers at UC-Santa Barbara have built the world's first mode-locked silicon evanescent laser, paving the way for integrated circuits that combine lasers and electronic functions on a single chip. This technology enables higher data transmission speeds, lower power consumption, and more compact devices.
A new study published in the Journal of Human Lactation has found that exclusively breastfed newborns tend to lose less weight than formula-fed infants, which may be at risk of early overfeeding. Supplemented breastfed infants had similar weight loss patterns to exclusively breastfed newborns.
A new study found that genetic variation in the foraging gene can protect against heat-induced neural failure, leading to potential rapid protection of brain function during extreme fevers. Researchers suggest this could lead to ways to rapidly protect the brain from damage due to extremely high fevers in mammals, including humans.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a chemical compound, 2-aminoethyl phosphonate, in male blue crabs that is not present in females. The presence of this metabolite has significant implications for understanding animal development and biochemistry.
A study found that only about one in four children with hypertension had been previously diagnosed, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment strategies
A CAMH study reveals that Ontario and Quebec have lower concentrations of people with alcohol and drug problems, while provinces like Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have higher rates. Regional differences were attributed to factors such as immigration patterns, local culture, and policies.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new microbial fuel cell that harnesses the power of cow waste to generate electricity. The small cell can produce about three times the power as its predecessor and is a quarter of its size, making it a promising alternative energy source.
A new study led by Professor Henry at Oxford Brookes University shows that low-GI breakfasts can lead to a reduction in calorie intake throughout the day. Children who ate low-GI breakfasts consumed approximately 60 kcal less during the day, equivalent to reducing calorie intake by 1800 kcal over a month.
ESA's Envisat and ERS-2 satellites track Hurricane Dean's path and strength, providing timely warnings with high-resolution cloud structure and wind field data. The satellites' instruments also measure sea surface temperature and height, allowing researchers to predict the hurricane's potential impact on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have identified a molecule in the intestine that can detect sugar content, which could lead to new treatments for diabetes and obesity. The sweet taste receptor is not only present in the tongue but also in the intestine, allowing it to monitor dietary sugars.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that all eukaryotic kinases share a common set of substrates, suggesting that despite their diversity, these enzymes have similar functions. This discovery may improve the testing of drugs targeting protein kinases for various diseases.
Researchers developed a genetic dosing model to predict optimal warfarin dose for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. The model combines genotype information with clinical factors to estimate therapeutic dosage.
A laboratory study found that cranberry compounds can sensitize human ovarian cancer cells resistant to platinum drugs, potentially improving chemotherapy effectiveness. The active compounds, called 'A-type' proanthocyanidins, appear to bind and block tumor promoter proteins in ovarian cancer cells.
Researchers have created a biological detergent that can be turned on and off depending on its application, offering potential solutions for improving laundry efficiency and reducing irritation in eye care products. The 'switchable' detergent has broad applications across various industries, including personal care and oil extraction.
A new sewage screening test has been developed to track community-wide drug abuse trends, providing a fast, reliable, and inexpensive way to estimate illicit drug use. The method analyzes drug residues and metabolites in urine flushed into municipal sewage treatment plants.
Researchers compared on-demand and planned relaparotomy strategies for patients with severe secondary peritonitis. The study found that on-demand strategy reduced health care utilization, ICU stays, and hospital stays, while also decreasing direct medical costs.
The Peters' elephantnose fish uses its electric sense to detect the capacitative properties of objects, allowing it to distinguish between living and dead organisms. It can also measure distances with a precision of several millimeters and perceive complex images of its surroundings.
A new study involving 100,000 U.S. women found no association between acrylamide intake and breast cancer risk, contradicting prior animal studies. Researchers estimated daily acrylamide intake and tracked incidence of breast cancer over 20 years, concluding that levels in foods are unlikely to cause cancer.
A coalition of physicians from various medical specialties urges the expansion of catheter-based treatments for stroke, citing a shortage of trained physicians and limited use of clot-busting drugs. They propose adapting neuro-rescue skills to increase the number of available physicians for 24/7 treatment.
A five-year study led by Lehigh University's College of Education identified effective nonmedicinal strategies to decrease aggressiveness and improve behavior in preschoolers with ADHD. The 'Project Achieve' study showed a 17-percent decrease in aggression and a 21-percent improvement in social skills for parents, while teachers saw a ...
Recent progress enables interpretation and prediction of actinide compounds' properties using first principle theory. Researchers are identifying molecules that can extract uranium from its natural environment, improving nuclear energy systems and environmental remediation technologies.
Researchers at Clemson University have created a method to improve fluorescent nanoparticle longevity, enabling the tracking of molecule motion in living cells. This technology could reveal details on virus invasion and protein operation within the body.
A symposium exploring acrylamide's health effects and ways to reduce its content in food will be held. Experts from around the world will provide new insights into the compound and its biological effects.
Researchers found that Shuar participants could distinguish infant-directed speech from adult-directed speech with 73% accuracy, indicating a universal understanding of vocal emotional communication. This study provides support for the notion that baby talk conveys similar intentions across cultures.
A review of 77 articles found that most claims of sex-related genetic differences in disease associations are insufficiently documented and validated. Only one out of 60 seemingly well-documented claims was consistently replicated in other studies.
A study found that increasing vitamin D levels can prevent 250,000 cases of colorectal cancer and 350,000 cases of breast cancer worldwide. Researchers recommend optimal vitamin D serum levels to be around 24-32 nanograms per milliliter for prevention.
A new method to safely store, dispense and easily 'refuel' hydrogen using small AB pellets is being developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientists. The pellets hold promise in meeting long-term targets for transportation use, occupying less space and weight than systems using pressurized hydrogen gas.
Leading researchers from IAVI, CDC and USMHRP presented final results of independent studies reexamining medical criteria for African volunteers in AIDS vaccine trials. The findings suggest that many healthy Africans have been excluded due to laboratory reference ranges developed for Western populations.
A team of researchers at the University of Illinois found that tetracycline resistance genes migrate from hog waste lagoons into groundwater wells, often diluting or amplifying these genes. The study, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, tracks the passage of these genes across species and environments.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed new single-site catalysts that can increase hydrogen production at lower temperatures, potentially reducing costs. These catalysts offer improved thermal stability and protection from sulfur species, which are common byproducts in fuel reforming.
Researchers have developed a new non-invasive brain scan method using light to monitor the development of infants' brains. The technique, called high-density diffuse optical tomography, allows for the mapping of the visual cortex with high accuracy.
A systematic review found ICDs to be safe and effective in reducing mortality among patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The devices reduced overall death from all causes by 20%, mostly due to a significant decrease in sudden cardiac deaths.
Researchers at OHSU demonstrate a new technique using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and targeted microbubbles to detect inflammatory processes leading to atherosclerosis. This could enable early detection and prevention of coronary heart disease and stroke, two of the nation's most lethal diseases.
The CU-Boulder team discovered the first ancient manioc field in the Americas, providing insight into how the Classic Maya supported dense populations. The field, buried under volcanic ash, was found to have been recently planted with manioc stalks, indicating a high level of agricultural productivity.
The Internet platform is being exploited by HIV denialists to spread false information about the virus, posing risks to both uninfected and infected individuals. The scientific consensus confirms that HIV causes AIDS, yet denying this fact can lead to distrust of authority and adoption of ineffective treatments.
Advanced age does not increase risk of death following liver transplant, according to a study. The authors analyzed 26 variables related to the recipients and found that preoperative hospitalization, cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C, and increasing model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score were associated with higher death rates.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that pomegranate juice does not impair the clearance of oral or intravenous midazolam, a test drug used to assess CYP3A activity. This suggests that pomegranate juice is safe for patients taking medications.
Researchers found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with lower CD4 cell counts and faster HIV disease progression in HIV-infected persons who are not on antiretroviral therapy. The study suggests that abstaining from alcohol use may decrease the risk of disease progression for these individuals.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a new molecular zip code and potential drug target for Huntington's disease. They found that mutant huntingtin protein can be prevented from entering the nucleus by kinase inhibitors, which may lead to effective treatment options.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that a case-management approach helped lower heart disease risks by approximately 10 percent among a diverse group of patients, making it a cost-effective way to improve patient outcomes. The study also showed significant benefits for patients with chronic conditions.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have identified taste receptors in the human intestines that sense glucose and regulate appetite. These receptors may lead to new treatments for obesity and diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels.
A observational cohort study from Côte d'Ivoire found that antiretroviral therapy according to WHO recommendations prevents mother-to-child HIV transmission. The study's findings support the WHO's guidelines for preventing perinatal and postnatal HIV transmission in West Africa.
Researchers identified a brain network in the frontal lobe associated with cognitive reserve, which builds through mentally-stimulating activities and provides protection against Alzheimer's disease. The study found that participants with higher levels of cognitive reserve could activate this network while working on difficult tasks.
Researchers used World of Warcraft to simulate a virtual epidemic, revealing the importance of individual behavior in spreading diseases. The outbreak, caused by a programming error, highlighted the limitations of computer models in predicting human behavior.
Researchers create nanoreactors with enzymes and plastic membranes to run three different enzymatic reactions simultaneously without interference. The system allows small molecules to pass through while trapping larger ones, enabling precise control over reaction cascades.
A study of over 300,000 genetic markers found a strong association between the ORMDL3 gene and an increased risk of childhood asthma. The research suggests that identifying this gene could lead to improved prevention and diagnosis of asthma.
Aging does not seem to affect people's ability to judge their own learning of text materials, according to a new study. Researchers found that older adults can regulate their learning more effectively if they have accurate self-evaluation skills.
A study found that unconscious racial biases among doctors can lead to disparities in medical treatment, with doctors showing a preference for treating white patients over black patients. The bias is not based on conscious attitudes but rather on implicit stereotypes of cooperativeness by race.