A new study at Joslin Diabetes Center identified a protein called Sirt2 as playing a major role in how fat is produced and stored in the body. Increasing Sirt2 levels may block fat cell differentiation and reduce fat storage.
Research suggests that children can safely consume fat as part of a healthy diet, contrary to concerns over obesity. Children's bodies are more efficient at burning fat relative to energy expenditure due to their high growth rates and higher protein synthesis needs.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that plain soap is as effective as antibacterial soap in preventing illness and reducing bacteria on hands. The team's analysis also suggests that triclosan, a common active ingredient in antibacterial soaps, may render some antibiotics less effective.
Researchers found that rats most susceptible to addictive drugs had stronger nicotinic acetylcholine receptor responses, which can increase brain excitation and reward. This suggests that targeting these receptors may be a promising approach for treating multiple addictions.
Researcher Dean Simonton has identified key traits of cinematic creative triumph and box-office success, including being R-rated dramas, based on true stories, or having exceptional scores.
MGH researchers create novel enzymes through mRNA display technique, enabling evolution without prior knowledge of enzyme mechanism. The developed enzymes show promise for improving chemical synthesis and developing new therapies.
Researchers identify pur alpha protein as key player in FXTAS, a neurodegenerative disorder caused by CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene. The protein's sequestration leads to toxic brain aggregates and movement problems.
Researchers at UCLA have identified three inflammatory cytokines as potential biomarkers for predicting Type 2 diabetes in apparently healthy individuals. The study, which involved over 1,600 participants, found that high levels of these cytokines were associated with an increased risk of developing the disease.
Researchers identified a genetic activity required for digit development in limbed animals, found in sharks' genomes, and believe it existed more than 500 million years ago
A recent decline in breast cancer incidence is attributed to a drop in postmenopausal hormone therapy use. This finding contradicts the assumption that decreased mammography screening is responsible for the decline.
A new review suggests that only modest evidence supports the use of most medications to raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which is often referred to as 'good' cholesterol. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and moderate alcohol consumption are recommended as safe and effective strategies to increase HDL levels.
Researchers found that birds acquire flying skills due to genetically specified latent memory left behind by their ancestors, decreasing learning required. This effect is more pronounced when there is a large fitness cost associated with learning.
A study suggests that pregnant and breastfeeding women consuming junk food during these periods may overeat and prefer high-calorie foods in their offspring. This could lead to a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
A study published in JAMA found that the HPV-16/18 vaccine does not accelerate clearance of the virus in women with pre-existing infections. The vaccine is effective only in preventing new HPV infections and cervical precancers.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that apolipoprotein B:apo A-I ratio is not a better predictor of coronary heart disease risk than traditional lipid ratios. The study evaluated 3,322 middle-aged participants and found that the differences between the two measures were small and statistically nonsignificant.
New findings from comet probes confirm the existence of organic molecules and clay particles that could have formed early life. The Cardiff University team argues that comets' liquid interiors provide a suitable environment for life's emergence.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found increased visual processing areas in the brain of patients who underwent Vision Restoration Therapy (VRT) after stroke or traumatic brain injury. The therapy, which uses daily visual stimulation, showed enhanced activity levels one month after treatment.
Researchers have found that particles of inorganic dust can form helical structures that interact like organic compounds, hinting at the possibility of life beyond carbon-based molecules. These structures exhibit properties such as autonomy, reproduction, and evolution, raising questions about the origin of life on Earth.
A recent study reveals radiologists can diagnose clinically unseen venous thromboembolic disease in cancer patients earlier by closely examining CT scans of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. The study identified 23 unsuspected iliofemoral DVTs and four common iliac vein involvements among 736 patients.
A new study published in Psychological Science examined how an animal's rearing environment influences its navigational strategy. The researchers found that while the ability to use geometry for navigation is innate, the use of geometric cues depends on both genetic and environmental factors.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are developing a new tool to improve LASIK surgery outcomes by measuring eye tissue stiffness using tiny bubbles generated inside eye tissue. The technology could also provide a new treatment for presbyopia, a age-related difficulty focusing on close objects.
Researchers found that metformin slows tumor growth in mice with colon cancer lacking the regulatory gene p53. The study's findings may lead to new therapies for aggressive and resistant human cancers.
A team from RIT and UR is developing a detector that can withstand harsh radiation environments in space, enabling the capture of images from every wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Systematic conservation planning can help protect endangered species and habitats in a changing world, say experts. The Great Barrier Reef is a case in point, as climate change advances, corals will migrate towards more suitable environments, requiring protected areas to shift.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that people with clinical depression have abnormal brain activity in emotional control circuits. Consciously regulating emotions increased activity in prefrontal cortical areas, but didn't quell negative responses in depressed individuals.
Research found that older climbers (60+) have a sharply higher chance of dying if they reach the summit compared to younger climbers. The overall chances of reaching the summit dropped to 13% for those in their 60s, and the death rate more than tripled to 5%.
Researchers found that a Western diet was associated with a three-and-a-half times higher risk of colon cancer recurrence in patients who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy. In contrast, a prudent-pattern diet did not significantly influence cancer recurrence or mortality.
Patients with diabetes and acute coronary syndromes have a significantly higher risk of death at 30 days and one year compared to those without diabetes. The study found that diabetes increased the risk of death by nearly 80% at 30 days for patients with unstable angina/non-STEMI and 40% for those with STEMI.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found significant differences in breast cancer prevention practices among Canadian women carrying the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation. Women in Quebec were the least likely to use preventive measures, with only 38% opting for surgery or medication.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered that a CEO's attention to future events and external activities significantly predicts a firm's early adoption and invention of new technologies. By analyzing annual reports, they found that CEOs who focus on future-oriented language lead to faster innovation development.
A study found that providing informational handouts to parents about CT radiation risks can improve their understanding, increasing awareness of the potential increased risk of cancer related to pediatric CT. Parents became less willing to undergo CT if their doctor believed it was equally effective to observation.
Researchers propose a new model, Frigid Faithful, which explains the formation of fractures and ridges on Saturn's moon Enceladus without requiring liquid water. The model describes how heat from a shallow source beneath the surface could lead to geyser-like activity and complex tectonic features.
A study is underway to determine best practices for reducing non-intercepted medication errors, which result in over 7,000 inpatient deaths per year. The study aims to identify factors that contribute to the failure of nurses' efforts to intercept medication errors.
A new study published in Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine suggests that children whose mothers are depressed do better when their fathers are actively engaged in family life. An involved father can serve as a buffer, reducing the risk of problem behaviors such as aggression, hyperactivity, depression, and anxiety.
A study found that patients with a diet high in meat, fat and refined grains had an increased risk of cancer recurrence and death compared to those with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The researchers identified two dietary patterns: prudent and Western, and found that the Western pattern was associated with a significant increas...
Researchers found that our tendency to categorize people into in-groups and out-groups leads to difficulty recognizing faces of individuals from other racial groups. A study by Miami University psychologists suggests that mere social categorization is enough to elicit an own-group bias in face recognition.
The University of Chicago has been awarded a grant to support four one-year Clare Boothe Luce Fellowships for women entering Ph.D. programs in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics.
Recent tsunami and storm events, such as the 2004 Sumatra tsunami, caused widespread damage along North America's Atlantic coast. In contrast, the Antarctic Bottom Water has warmed within recent decades, with temperatures rising by 0.0028ºC each year. Additionally, climate changes around 8,200 years ago were linked to the final drainag...
A study found that individuals with suppressed immune systems, such as kidney transplant patients and those with HIV, have a higher incidence of squamous cell eye cancer. Residence in subtropical regions and prior history of skin cancer were also associated with increased risk.
Gilbert Strang received the Peter Henrici Prize for his work in applied and numerical analysis, including finite element methods, linear algebra, and wavelets. The prize is awarded jointly by ETHZ and SIAM.
A new Texas A&M University program aims to tackle conservation challenges by integrating biology, culture, and governance. Led by Dr. Lee Fitzgerald and Dr. Amanda Stronza, the project will train students in interdisciplinary research and fieldwork to address pressing issues like invasive species, habitat loss, and social conflict.
A new study examines how Latino immigrants identify themselves racially in the US, finding a significant share identifies as Latino rather than white. Increasing exposure to American culture leads to a shift towards Spanish racial self-identification, contrasting with earlier European immigrant groups.
Dr. Nancy Kopell received the John von Neumann Lecture for her groundbreaking work on coupled nonlinear oscillators and their application to various biological systems. Her research focuses on understanding rhythmic behavior in networks of neurons and its role in filtering and transforming input patterns.
Research at the University of Iowa suggests that a patient-centered approach can be detrimental for patients who prefer a more traditional 'doctor-centered' style. The study found that when these patients are matched with patient-centered doctors, they are less likely to follow treatment recommendations and feel satisfied with their care.
A new study by Conservation International and colleagues warns that 11 countries with high forest cover and low rates of deforestation are at risk of being left out of a carbon market intended to promote rainforest conservation. The study calls for 'preventive credits' to incentivize protection of intact tropical forests.
Robert McLachlan, a Professor of Applied Mathematics at Massey University in New Zealand, received the Germund Dahlquist Prize for his original contributions to geometric integration. His work has applications in physics, computer science, and engineering, and he has used geometric integration methods to study complex systems.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that waist-to-hip ratio is a stronger indicator of cardiovascular risk than body mass index. The study suggests that measuring this ratio can help identify individuals with an increased risk of heart disease and guide more effective treatment strategies.
A randomized controlled trial found that even low levels of weekly exercise can significantly lower systolic blood pressure and reduce waist and hip girth in sedentary adults. The study also showed an increase in overall fitness among participants who engaged in moderate-intensity physical activity below the recommended levels.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technology using tiny 'ionic wind engines' that could dramatically improve computer chip cooling. The technology increased the heat-transfer coefficient by as much as 250 percent, outperforming existing methods.
A study found that 21% of patients taking verapamil for cluster headaches experienced irregular heartbeats, while 37% had slower than normal heart rates. Close monitoring with electrocardiograms is recommended to mitigate potential heart problems.
Two new studies provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant NF-κB activity in MM tumor cells. The research reveals diverse mutations that lead to pathological activation of NF-κB signaling in MM, highlighting its role as a target for therapy development.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are conducting a worldwide study on treating myositis, a rare autoimmune disorder. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of rituximab in improving symptoms of dermatomyositis and polymyositis, with 202 participants from North America and Europe involved.
Research found that glaucoma patients with fluctuating eye pressure have worse visual fields after three months and 13 years, highlighting the importance of reducing long-term IOP fluctuations. The study suggests that 'IOP modulation' rather than reduction is a more effective treatment approach for stabilizing vision.
Experts emphasize evidence-based approach to treating osteoarthritis, citing benefits of coxibs and NSAIDs despite gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks. The OARSI international COX-2 workshop 2007 provided guidance on safe use of these agents.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that PPARa helps control toxic fatty acids in breast milk, preventing inflammation and hair loss in pups. The discovery sheds light on the genetic program behind breast milk's purity.
A newly developed DNA vaccine against multiple sclerosis appears safe and may produce beneficial changes in the brains and immune systems of individuals with MS. The vaccine showed a reduction in cytokine-producing cells targeting myelin proteins, as well as a trend toward a decrease in contrast-enhancing lesions on brain MRI.
A new Research Center of Excellence in Pediatric Nephrology will be established at the Medical College of Wisconsin to accelerate treatments for children with genetic and acquired kidney disease. The center aims to develop unique therapies that can limit or cure progressive kidney disorders.
A recent PNAS study found that the current Earth system has improved heat regulation compared to 60 million years ago when small tectonic plates existed. The research suggests that plate size and number significantly affect heat loss, with smaller plates leading to greater heat escape from the mantle.
A life cycle assessment reveals that renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal have valid green credentials in electricity production. However, the efficiency of these systems is comparable only when considering the entire life cycle, not just materials production and running.
A RAND Corporation study reveals a sharp decline in undiagnosed diabetes cases among American men over the past 25 years, with ethnic disparities largely eliminated. The study also found that education levels play a significant role in diabetes diagnosis, with those having less education being less likely to receive accurate diagnoses.