Researchers from the Whitehead Institute have discovered that a specific microRNA helps prevent tumor formation by regulating the Hmga2 gene. In mice with compromised immune systems, cells expressing Hmga2 with disrupted let-7 sites developed tumors, highlighting a new mechanism for cancer formation.
A VA researcher has developed a method to identify men at risk for high-grade prostate cancer, reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies. The study found that a high PSA adjusted for prostate size and Gleason scores above 7 indicate a higher risk of life-threatening prostate cancer.
Scientists have obtained a spectrum of a planet orbiting another star, revealing the presence of silicate dust in its atmosphere. The discovery was made using NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and represents a significant advance in extrasolar planetary science.
A philosopher argues that intelligent design lacks testability due to the inability of observations to discriminate between ID claims and competing theories. He also points out that criticism of evolution is not a sufficient test for ID, and auxiliary assumptions about the designer's goals are not independently justified.
Researchers have identified potential new treatments for three serious diseases: a drug that increases SMN production in mice with spinal muscular atrophy, overexpression of Akt that converts a less invasive to a highly invasive melanoma, and inhibition of PKC-epsilon that prevents insulin resistance in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Researchers found intricate tilework in medieval Islamic architecture exhibits decagonal quasicrystal geometry, a concept discovered in the West in the 1970s and 1980s. This finding suggests that medieval Islamic artisans used specialized tiles, called girih tiles, to create complex patterns without lengthy, painstaking processes.
Researchers observed chimpanzees using spear-like tools to hunt lesser bushbabies from cavities in hollow branches. The hunting behavior was systematic and consistent, suggesting it was habitual, but only successful in one of 22 recorded instances.
Researchers identified Jumonji proteins essential for cellular differentiation, inactivating genes critical to embryogenesis. The study uses C. elegans and mouse embryonic stem cells, with potential applications in cancer treatment using inhibitors.
David H. Baker, a renowned expert in animal and nutritional sciences, will be honored with the Charles A. Black Award for his outstanding achievements in the field. His research has led to significant discoveries about amino acid metabolism, toxicology, and nutrient needs of humans and animals.
Researchers found that FASD children had longer reaction times and made more direction errors in eye-movement tasks. The study provides a powerful tool for assessing executive-function deficits in individuals with FASD.
A new Swedish study reveals that university students engaging in high-risk alcohol consumption benefit most from a skills-training program. The program, which combines cognitive-skill intervention and motivational techniques, was found to be more effective than other interventions in reducing alcohol consumption among at-risk students.
A new study finds that hard money contributions by interest groups create incentives for members of Congress to enhance their analytical capacity for policymaking. Members with high analytical capacity, known as 'work horses,' tend to attract contributions and focus on intellectual aspects of policies.
The grant aims to bring together outstanding science teachers with talented high school students and university faculty for a unique learning experience. The program will use the Cuyahoga River as an inspiration, encouraging students to consider careers in science education.
Two trials found HIV acquisition rates to be 53% and 51% lower in circumcised men compared to uncircumcised men in Kenya and Uganda, respectively. The Lancet published the findings on adult male circumcision as a prevention strategy for HIV.
The new Georgia Tech satellite engine uses solar power and fine-tuned exhaust velocity to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 percent. This allows for more payload in orbit and potentially lower launch costs.
Researchers successfully produced neurons in vitro using stem cells from adult human skin, a breakthrough that could lead to revolutionary advances in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. The method used involves extracting neuron precursor cells from skin samples and cultivating them in an appropriate environment.
Climate change is altering North Atlantic ecosystems by freshening seawater and curbing deepening of surface mixed layers. This shift affects phytoplankton and zooplankton populations, leading to changes in seasonal cycles.
Research found that alcoholics with greater deficits in emotional facial expression recognition had worse treatment outcomes and prognosis. Despite three months of abstinence, these individuals showed continued impaired EFE decoding abilities.
The L'Oréal-UNESCO Award For Women in Science recognizes five outstanding female researchers, including Dr. Mildred Dresselhaus, who pioneered carbon nanotube research at MIT's School of Engineering. The award honors their contributions to various fields, including medicinal chemistry and bio-medical applications.
Organized youth activities facilitate teen independence in a way parents can appreciate, while also improving family relationships. Teens develop skills such as self-confidence, emotional regulation, and teamwork, leading to closer ties with their families.
A University of Texas at Austin researcher has developed a more economical technology to capture carbon dioxide from coal-fueled power plants, which could lead to a 90% reduction in emissions. The project is being supported by a $1.8M donation from TXU Power.
Researchers used virtual robots to study the evolution of communication in social organisms, finding that genetically similar individuals and group-level selection drive rapid communication evolution. In contrast, low-relatedness colonies with individual-level selection led to deceptive communication signals and decreased colony perfor...
The National Institutes of Health has awarded grants to University Hospitals Case Medical Center for expanded HIV treatment development and pioneering advances in Microbicides Trials Network. This includes immunology laboratory funding at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and clinical trial research sites in Uganda.
A study shows that trichostatin A, a hydroxamic acid HDAC inhibitor, increases SMN2 production in both neural tissues and muscles of mice with spinal muscular atrophy, improving survival chances. The treatment attenuates disease symptoms in affected mice.
A new study reveals that medieval Islamic artisans used a set of decorated polygonal tiles, or girih tiles, to create intricate patterns. This method allowed for an important breakthrough in Islamic mathematics and design, producing quasicrystalline designs that were not understood in the West for another 500 years.
Spring Point Project's biosecure animal facility has successfully bred high-health, pathogen-free pigs, paving the way for potential human islet cell transplantation. The goal is to provide an FDA-approved standard treatment soon after clinical trials within three years.
Researchers identify JARID1d, an enzyme that removes trimethylation marks from histone H3, allowing genes to be active. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms governing gene control and its importance for health.
Researchers at Imperial College London have identified two key enzymes that help meningitis bacteria evade the body's immune system. The discovery could lead to novel treatments by disabling these enzymes and making the bacteria vulnerable to attack.
A new clinical trial aims to investigate whether low-dose aspirin can improve pregnancy outcomes for women who have miscarried. The study will enroll 535 women and follow them for five years to assess the impact of aspirin on implantation, blood flow, and preeclampsia.
A special section in The Lancet examines the intersections between medicine and society, highlighting the impact of direct-to-consumer drug advertising on patients' expectations and doctors' professional clout. The essays explore how pharmaceutical ads create new societal perceptions of disease, normalcy, and wellness.
Researchers found that a drug called trichostatin A can increase SMN2 gene activity, improving symptoms and extending survival in SMA mice. Treatment started after symptoms appeared led to a 19% longer lifespan on average.
African scientists will receive training in drug discovery techniques to combat diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. The program aims to develop affordable, effective drugs using low operating costs and socially conscious investments.
Researchers found that increasing connexin26 in mice with missing connexin30 restored hearing sensitivity and prevented hair cell death. The discovery suggests a potential drug treatment for congenital deafness, which may replace gene therapy.
Research by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory finds that harmless viruses can cause cancer through chromosomal instability, potentially leading to cancer progression. Protecting against these viruses may decrease cancer incidence.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have developed a new hydrogen material with over a billion nanotubes that can produce hydrogen from water. The system uses photoactive material from the sun to generate hydrogen, promising a cleaner and more cost-effective energy source.
Scientists have discovered that people working with chimpanzees in a Ugandan park are exchanging gastrointestinal bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains, with the animals. This finding highlights the potential for human activities to impact wildlife health.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered that microRNAs can undergo molecular editing, redirecting them to target and silence entirely different sets of genes. This process has significant physiological consequences, such as altering the production of essential enzymes involved in synthesizing uric acid.
Recent research suggests that humans likely inhabited the Americas before the Clovis People, who have been considered the first inhabitants of the New World. The revised dates for the Clovis time period indicate a shorter duration and overlap with other sites, casting doubt on the Clovis-first model.
Inflammatory myopathies and coeliac disease may be linked, with a gluten-free diet potentially improving inclusion-body myositis symptoms. Researchers explore immunopathogenic mechanisms and genetic substrates to confirm findings.
A clinical trial enrolling over 2,700 uncircumcised men found that circumcision reduced the risk of acquiring HIV by 53% compared to uncircumcised men. The study's results suggest that circumcision can be an effective addition to other prevention and reproductive health services in sub-Saharan Africa.
Japanese scientists produce peanut-shaped nanoparticles comprising two different sulfur-containing substances, palladium sulfide and cobalt sulfide. The unique structure gives rise to different physical and chemical properties.