Scientists have sequenced the genome of symbiotic bacteria in giant clams living near hydrothermal vents, revealing a unique chemosynthetic process that allows them to thrive in dark depths. The bacteria fix carbon and produce nutrients for the clam, similar to how chloroplasts work in photosynthesis.
A British Geological Survey project aims to alleviate poverty in Afghanistan by developing the country's mineral resources, particularly copper. The Aynak Copper Deposit, located south of Kabul, holds significant potential with estimated grades of 2.3% copper.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution's Geophysical Laboratory found a unique phase transition in vanadium crystals under high pressure, changing shape but not volume. This discovery has significant implications for superconducting materials and challenges previous theories on element stability.
Carbon nanotubes successfully deliver RNA fragments that shut off genes for HIV-specific receptors on human T-cells. This approach significantly slows down HIV infection by blocking the virus's entry points.
A new study found that a natural family planning method called symptothermal method (STM) is as effective as the contraceptive pill in preventing unplanned pregnancies when used correctly. The STM method uses two indicators to identify the fertile phase in a woman's menstrual cycle and has an unintended pregnancy rate of 0.4% per year.
A study found that childhood cancer survivors are at a higher risk of developing secondary sarcomas, such as soft tissue sarcomas and osteosarcoma, with an average latency period of 11 years after primary diagnosis. Radiation therapy is associated with this increased risk.
A new technology using nano-porous fibres has been awarded the Royal Society's Brian Mercer Award for Innovation, with early trials showing significant energy savings and potential to reduce environmental impact. The technology could be used in various industries, including beverage production and petrol filling stations.
Researchers developed a new system to monitor disease dynamics in mice infected with meningococci, offering insights into the disease's progression and potential for improved vaccines. The study found that modified bacteria lacking certain adhesins could not attach to mucous linings, providing a clearer picture of infection processes.
A long-term study at MU found that individuals from alcoholic homes retain higher levels of neuroticism and psychoticism, increasing the risk of alcohol dependency. The researchers monitored participants' personality traits over two decades, revealing a decrease in emotional stability for those with family histories of alcoholism.
A new study by the University of Arizona suggests that environmental factors can significantly impact research results. Researchers found that mice housed in enriched environments showed reduced arterial defects and less disorganized tissue compared to those in standard cages.
Edward O. Wilson's book, The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth, raises awareness of environmental issues by highlighting the common ground between science and faith. The award recognizes Wilson's contributions to promoting conservation and environmentalism through his writings.
A recent study by Case Western Reserve University found that caregivers with strong cultural beliefs and religious practices can shield themselves from mental health difficulties, however elevated cortisol levels indicate a risk of physical problems. Caregivers with stronger positive cultural beliefs about caring for elders were more l...
Research by Ellie Parker and Adrian Furnham found that viewers are less able to recall advertised products during programmes with high sexual content. Women were particularly put off by sexual content, while men recalled brands more effectively.
A new screening protocol has been identified that can detect Lynch syndrome, a disorder that increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer at a young age. The screening procedure detected mutations in 69 patients and identified at least 57 HNPCC patients who would not have been screened under current testing practices.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified 34 unique genetic variations associated with sporadic ALS, bringing them closer to developing treatments. The study scanned the entire genome of 276 subjects with ALS and found that these genetic variants are more common in individuals with the disease.
A study published in JAMA found that off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery had no effect on cognitive decline and cardiac outcomes at 5 years in low-risk patients. Cognitive decline ranged from under 5% to over 30% in the first year after CABG surgery.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a genetic signature that identifies cases of lymphoma susceptible to new molecular targeted therapy. The study found that tumors with this signature are killed by the new therapy, while those without it are resistant.
A study suggests that the majority of drug-resistant TB cases among patients undergoing treatment are caused by new infections, not acquired resistance. This finding could drive a major shift in strategy for controlling TB.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a rare genetic disease that causes chronic airway disease and affects about 1 in 15,000 children. Newborns with respiratory distress are at risk of having this condition, which can lead to persistent wheezing, cough, and recurrent infections.
Two randomized clinical trials found tamoxifen reduces ER-positive breast cancer risk by 27% and 39%. Long-term benefits persist even after stopping tamoxifen use, with reduced side effects.
Boston College biologists identify KetoCal as an effective alternative therapy for malignant brain cancer, slowing tumor growth and enhancing health in mice. The study found that KetoCal decreased tumor growth by 35-65% and improved survival rates compared to standard diets.
Local interventions, such as adding fruitflies to a population, do not affect the dynamics and stability of the fruitfly metapopulation. Computer simulations confirm that constant local perturbations have no detectable effect on metapopulation stability across various ecological scenarios.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that living in densely populated, pedestrian-friendly areas is associated with lower body mass index levels. Researchers discovered that access to public transit, proximity to commercial goods and services, and population density are inversely related to BMI levels.
A study by University of New Hampshire professor Brett Gibson found that humans and pigeons primarily rely on corners of an object to recognize it, rather than shading and color. This similarity in visual processing could lead to future technological advancements, such as small visual prosthetics for the visually impaired.
Researchers discover that pregnancy-related hormone prolactin encourages spontaneous production of myelin, a fatty substance coating nerve cells, potentially leading to treatment for MS. Prolactin therapy aims to promote repair and improve symptoms in people with MS.
A study identified pulse pressure as an important predictor of atrial fibrillation development, with increased stiffness associated with higher risk. The research found that a 20 mm Hg increase in pulse pressure was linked to a 34% increased risk of developing AF.
Researchers at U of MN have discovered a treatment to halt disease progression in advanced ALD patients by combining NAC and transplant. This breakthrough offers new hope for devastating disease affecting young boys.
Researchers found that dual therapy with Avastin and chemotherapy agent irinotecan halted tumor growth up to twice as long as comparative therapies, offering a significant advance in treatment for aggressive gliomas. The study's findings may lead to new options for patients with the poorest possible prognosis.
A study of 233 individuals found that negative grief emotions such as yearning and anger peak at specific times after loss, declining by approximately six months. Acceptance is the most frequently endorsed item, increasing steadily over time.
USP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PHARMEXCIL to develop mutually beneficial activities for improving the quality of medicines and dietary supplements in India. The partnership aims to enhance global pharmaceutical trade, particularly for Indian products.
UCLA scientists have been awarded $4 million in seed grants to fund innovative research projects on human embryonic stem cells. The Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at UCLA will utilize these funds to explore various aspects of human embryonic development, immune response, and cell differentiation.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that the protein TCTP plays a key role in regulating cell size and proliferation in fruit flies. When TCTP levels are reduced, cells grow abnormally small, leading to reduced lifespan.
Researchers used gene chips to profile tumors before treatment and found markers that identified breast cancer subtypes resistant to Herceptin. They discovered that IGF-1R expression was associated with a lower response rate, and that resistant tumors continued to over-express the HER2 growth factor protein.
Researchers found that a core clock gene regulates stress response and blood pressure, providing a novel link to the diurnal variation in heart attack risk. The study suggests modifying the molecular clock using drugs could be a treatment for people with high blood pressure.
Researchers discovered Dap1, which controls the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis and drug metabolism. The study found that genetic variations in Dap1 may influence how people react to certain drugs.
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that a primer, developed by researchers at Dartmouth Medical School, improved medical interpretation skills among participants with varying levels of education. The primer, 'Know Your Chances: Understanding Health Risks,' was effective in both low and high socioeconomic groups,...
Stanford University researchers highlight the importance of ethics in addressing climate change, arguing that traditional cost-benefit analyses are inadequate. They propose the creation of a global assessment of human behavior to inform sustainable policies and recognize universities' critical role in solving the human predicament.
A new model developed by Arizona State University researchers predicts patterns of urban sprawl and their implications for natural systems and quality of life. The model aims to provide decision-makers with insights to plan growth that minimizes negative environmental consequences and protects the well-being of city-dwellers.
The AAAS symposium aims to address the environmental effects of large-scale livestock operations, including land degradation, air and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Researchers will present findings on how to develop policies and practices to reduce adverse effects while ensuring food security and preserving natural resources.
Researchers found that women with pre-diabetic markers are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease and may benefit from more intense screening. The study suggests that the 'diabetes clock' starts ticking sooner for women than men, contributing to sex differences in heart disease mortality.
A new immunochemical fecal occult blood test (I-FOBT) shows promise in increasing colon cancer screening rates by being more accurate and convenient than traditional methods. The test uses antibodies to detect human blood in stool, eliminating dietary restrictions and allowing for personalized positivity thresholds.
Ancient people in Panama processed domesticated plants like maize, manioc, and arrowroot at least 7,800 years ago, revealing an earlier practice of farming than previously thought. This discovery confirms the importance of starch grain analysis as a method for studying human subsistence practices in tropical forests.
A team of researchers investigated the mechanism of phage DNA packaging, directly testing the connector rotation hypothesis. They found that it is unlikely to be the correct mechanism, and instead suggest a nonrotating model where ATPases compress and extend alternately, drawing in the DNA.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that C-Reactive Protein (CRP) directly induces hypertension in mice. The study, which manipulated CRP levels in mice with an engineered gene, showed a direct correlation between CRP and blood pressure elevation.
A study analyzed provider-reported events and errors in stroke patients, finding 12% experienced an adverse event and 86 were preventable. The hospital implemented new procedures to improve patient safety, including check sheets and safer medication delivery.
Researchers will develop software to predict unintended consequences of greenhouse gas reduction policies on the automotive market, life cycle environmental impact, and material demand. The goal is to ensure that policies effectively reduce emissions while minimizing undesirable outcomes.
A recent MIT study reveals a genetic link between gene mutations and schizophrenia, focusing on the calcineurin system as a potential target for future treatments.
A new study published in PLoS Biology found that cells change size and shape to form the heart's chambers, with blood flow and cardiac contractility influencing cell shape. The researchers propose a balance of internal and external forces necessary for optimal chamber curvature, potentially underlying some types of heart disease.
A new Saint Louis University study shows that young transplant patients who lose their federally provided insurance coverage are more likely to stop taking necessary anti-rejection drugs. This can increase the risk of losing the transplanted organ and even death.
Researchers estimate malaria transmission to be much higher than previously thought, ranging from 1-3,000, with serious implications for disease control. The study suggests that targeting the most frequently bitten individuals could lead to local elimination of malaria.
The US is training fewer people in computer science than needed to fill available positions, despite an abundance of job opportunities. A lack of adequate education in high schools and universities is contributing to the crisis, with economics being the principle driver.
Researchers have discovered that antibody signals can activate leukocytes to promote cell growth and increase blood supply in precancerous tissues, fueling cancer progression. Potential drugs already being tested may be able to block this pathway, offering a new therapeutic strategy for treating B cell lymphoma and autoimmune diseases.
A team of researchers, led by Alyson Thibodeau and David J. Killick, used physical sciences techniques to analyze archaeological artifacts at the La Isabela settlement. They found that the silver-bearing ore brought from Spain was extracted using an improvised smelting process, contradicting earlier historical accounts.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that Restylane works by stretching fibroblasts, causing them to create new collagen. This natural collagen then contributes to reducing wrinkle appearance. The study also found that Restylane inhibits the breakdown of existing collagen.
Rebecca Slayton argues that while scientists can inform public debate, their role is limited due to the complexity of computing and testing. Computer professionals played a significant role in opposing missile defense proposals in the 1960s and 1980s, but their warnings were initially dismissed as pessimism.
A study by Thomas Foster at the University of Florida found that rats become forgetful due to an imbalance in brain cell communication. The researchers discovered that 'long-term depression' - a normal process that helps sculpt memory - can lead to rapid forgetting when it occurs excessively.
The American College of Physicians recommends periodic health evaluations to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. A new study found that immunochemical FOBT is an effective tool for detecting colorectal cancer, with high sensitivity and specificity rates.
A University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist advocates for collecting more and better data in fisheries management. This focus on data quality can lead to more accurate assessments of fish populations, ultimately improving the sustainability of fisheries and reducing environmental harm.
A large study of over 27,000 women found that those with high cholesterol were more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to healthy women with lower cholesterol levels. The research suggests that avoiding unfavorable cholesterol levels may help prevent stroke.
Researchers have discovered that aged, fertilization-failure mouse oocytes can be used as cytoplasmic donors in nuclear transfer procedures, paving the way for future human egg use. This breakthrough could optimize cloning protocols and reduce waste of discarded IVF eggs.