A University of Houston research team has been awarded a $1.6 million grant to build the most powerful magnetic field sensor to date. The sensor, which could be hundreds or thousands of times more sensitive than current models, will have applications in both military and medical fields.
Researchers have identified a novel biological pathway that may contribute to cases of mental retardation and autism, with mutations in two genes causing brain abnormalities and milder symptoms than classical forms of Cornelia deLange syndrome.
Research reveals that teenagers are more fearful of losing their sight than lung cancer or stroke, yet only a small percentage understand the link between smoking and blindness. The study found that just 5% of respondents correctly identified the risk, with even fewer among smokers.
A recent study found that women conceiving in spring are most vulnerable to preterm birth, with rates increasing from summer (8.4%) to winter and fall. The research analyzed data from over 75,000 deliveries and suggests that seasonal variations in immune system exposure may play a role in preterm birth risk.
Scientists have discovered that human proteins evolve slowly due to dual coding regions in their DNA, which slows down the rate of evolution. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective gene therapy techniques and potentially treat genetic disorders.
A recent study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that individuals experiencing loneliness are at a significantly increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The research, conducted over four years, analyzed data from 823 older adults and revealed that loneliness was associated with a 51% increased risk of developi...
A recent study suggests that the 'probe to bone' test, used to diagnose bone infections in people with diabetes, may not be as reliable as thought. The test, which feels for bone inside a wound, is only slightly better than chance when used alone.
A team of researchers at Delft University of Technology used HREM to observe collective transport of gold atoms in a thin layer. The findings demonstrate a rapid progress in real-time nano-microscopy, enabling the precise positioning of atoms with accuracy.
The March of Dimes has allocated $3 million to support eight scientists' research on predicting and preventing preterm birth. Five projects focus on immune responses, while others investigate the role of genetic factors, circadian rhythms, and potassium balance.
Researchers discovered that APOE genotypes increase susceptibility to cerebral palsy in newborns. The study found a threefold-elevated risk for children with quadriplegia/triplegia and more severe motor impairment.
The incidence of autism and two other childhood neuropsychiatric disorders increased significantly among Danish children between 1990 and 2004. This trend suggests a broader pattern in childhood mental illness, with the exception of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Researchers found that splice-enhancer domains, which code for specific amino acids, influence protein evolution and are subject to selective pressure. Smaller exons near intron-exon boundaries also evolve more slowly.
A University of Missouri-Columbia researcher is deploying sensors on a mid-ocean ridge to capture rare underwater data, providing valuable insights into volcanic activity and its effects on ocean chemistry. The project aims to improve our understanding of the Earth's oceans, which cover over 70% of the planet.
A study published in PLoS Biology finds that low levels of toxic substances cause critical stem cells to prematurely shut down. The research identifies a common molecular trigger for the effects of toxicant exposure, offering new insights into damage caused by toxicant exposure and potential methods to evaluate chemical safety.
A recent study by RAND Corporation found that only 28% of HIV-positive unmarried parents have made legal arrangements for who will care for their children if they die. This lack of planning can lead to emotional and behavioral problems in children, making guardianship plans essential.
Researchers found that the poorest people in developing countries are least likely to use contraception, with significant regional variations. The authors emphasize the need for governments and international health organizations to focus on providing contraceptive services to those with very low incomes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a supplemental therapy teaching pain coping and biofeedback skills can reduce jaw disorder pain and health-care costs. The therapy improved pain management and reduced doctor visits among study participants.
A study of 823 individuals with an average age of 80 found that loneliness was associated with a 51% increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that loneliness may contribute to the risk of dementia through mechanisms other than Alzheimer's disease pathology.
The Rong Li lab team has identified a crucial pathway controlling asymmetric meiotic cell division in mouse oocytes, allowing for genomic reduction while maintaining essential building blocks. This finding provides insights into the molecular signals driving egg maturation and its significance for reproductive health.
Researchers found a strong association between high blood pressure during pregnancy and increased coronary calcification later in life. Women who developed hypertension during pregnancy were at a 57% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including type-2 diabetes and heart disease.
A study by Wei-Jian Jiang found that successful stent placement reduces the risk of stroke for individuals with severe artery blockage. The risk was comparable to those with moderate blockage, suggesting that stents may not be beneficial for all patients at high risk.
A team of researchers has discovered that ancient rocks from Quebec, Canada, contain iron carbonates believed to have formed in an atmosphere with extremely high CO2 levels. This suggests that high concentrations of greenhouse gases may have helped Earth avoid global freezing in its youth.
The number of very elderly beginning dialysis increased from 1996 to 2003, with one-year survival rates remaining at around 50%. Ambulatory techniques for diagnosing sleep apnea were found to be as effective as polysomnography.
A study by University College London finds that male-killing bacteria active in many insect species, including butterflies, increase female promiscuity and reduce male effort during mating. In the absence of males, females become more sexually rampant, while males exhibit signs of fatigue and reduced sperm quality.
Scientists at Georgia Tech have found that the electrical conductance of metal nanowires varies due to a pair of atoms, known as a dimer, shuttling back and forth between the bulk electrical leads. This discovery has significant implications for the development of nanotechnology and nanodevices.
Researchers used bioassay-guided evolution to identify more efficient antibiotic-producing mutants in Escherichia coli, reconstituting the biosynthetic pathways of sugars to yield a new antibiotic. This approach opens doors for harnessing genetics to investigate polyketide synthases and biosynthetic engineering.
A study by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that the median length of time to eliminate lead exposure in Wisconsin homes was 465 days, with only 18% completed within six months.
Scientists have linked telomere loss to both cancer and aging by visualizing chromosomes of cells from patients with Werner Syndrome. Rebuilding structures called telomeres significantly blocks genetic damage seen in cells of patients with Werner Syndrome.
New research suggests that deep-sea black smokers may be producing sound waves that guide fish to food sources. The sounds, which resemble rumbling or a hairdryer, could also help fish navigate the dark environment and avoid hot waters.
A study of European research ethics committees found that while some had informal rules for gender diversity, few had formal requirements to ensure equal representation of both sexes. Despite EU policy on gender equality in health research, limited attention was paid to these issues.
A large British study indicates that individuals with severe mental illnesses are significantly more likely to die from coronary heart disease and stroke than those without mental illnesses. The use of antipsychotic medication also contributes to the increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Children born with low birth weight are more likely to develop depression and social dysfunction if they experience child abuse, according to a recent study. The study found that those who suffered both low birth weight and child abuse had significantly poorer outcomes than those who experienced either adversity alone.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a toxin from a sea creature that blocks cancer cell division while leaving healthy cells unaffected. A synthetic form of the toxin, diazonamide, showed promise in pre-clinical trials without harmful side effects.
A recent study found that human skin hosts a vast array of bacterial species, with 182 species identified, including 8% previously unknown. The study used advanced molecular methods to analyze skin samples from six healthy individuals and revealed a core set of bacteria present in everyone's skin.
A study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that two-thirds of nursing students believe it's wrong to lie to patients, compared to 33% in 1983. The profile of nursing students has also changed significantly over 22 years, with older students, more diversity in educational attainments and life experiences.
Researchers identified two small molecules with remarkable efficacy against botulinum neurotoxin A in animal models. The compounds showed surprisingly little activity in cell-based assays, highlighting the importance of animal-based studies. No significant side effects were observed with either molecule.
Research reveals a link between doctors' personal fear of death and their willingness to hasten life-sustaining treatment in severely disabled newborns. One in three specialists use painkillers to relieve suffering without intending to hasten death, while over three-quarters would do so if further treatment is deemed futile.
A new MIT microchip system sorts proteins in minutes, faster than traditional gel-based systems, enabling earlier diagnoses and treatments for diseases. The device uses anisotropic nanofluidic sieving structure to separate proteins of different sizes, increasing the probability of detecting biomarkers.
A recent study found that engaging in various online behaviors is linked to online interpersonal victimization, with talking to strangers being a significant risk factor. The survey analyzed data from over 1,400 teens and found that sharing personal info or making rude comments online were not as harmful as previously thought.
The study found that 87% of Americans heard the FDA's main message, but many were confused about details such as types of affected spinach. Most consumers stopped eating spinach due to the recall, with 44% already consuming it again within months.
Researchers at Yale University have created a protein-like molecule using beta-amino acids, which could have been the natural building blocks of life. The discovery shows that peptides assembled from these non-natural building blocks can fold into structures similar to natural proteins.
A new microcontact insertion printing technique builds surfaces with specific functions inserted at known intervals, enabling analysis of biochemical mixtures and molecular-scale electronic components. The process allows for precise placement of isolated molecules in a predesigned nano-scale or micro-scale pattern.
A recent study found that men systematically overestimated their height and women more commonly underestimated their weight on online dating profiles. The researchers also discovered that a higher percentage of participants lied about their weight, with almost two thirds being incorrect by 5 pounds or more.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel way to integrate photonic circuitry on a silicon chip, enabling mass-manufactured devices with unprecedented system performance. The new technology will enable supercomputers on a chip with unique high-speed capabilities for signal processing and spectroscopy.
Researchers develop a set of 13 leading indicators to predict complex system performance, helping managers make real-time adjustments. The indicators cover various aspects of system management, including risk handling, interface trends, and technology maturity.
A survey of pediatricians found that most support reporting and disclosing medical errors to patients' families, but believe formal error reporting systems are inadequate. Many physicians face challenges in disclosing errors due to fear of reputation damage or legal action.
The Mayo Clinic team has proposed a system of lung surgery quality indicators to demonstrate best practices for positive patient outcomes. The proposed measures include patient-centered processes prior to, during, and after surgery, such as pulmonary function testing, electrocardiogram, smoking history documentation, and timely pain co...
Researchers found that individuals preferred mating with unfamiliar close kin rather than non-kin due to parental cooperation. This led to more cooperative and resource-invested parenting among related parents compared to non-related ones.
A recent study of 4,500 American adolescents found that sedentary activities and higher body mass index (BMI) are associated with higher systolic blood pressure. Encouraging adolescents to reduce their sedentary activity may improve their blood pressure and lower their later risk of cardiovascular disease.
A clinical trial found that nearly 600 adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy experienced few to no seizures while taking levetiracetam as a single therapy. The study also showed that patients remained seizure-free for at least six months at the lowest dose level.
Research links depressive symptoms to early signs of artery disease, including thickening of carotid arteries. The study suggests that physical symptoms of depression, such as fatigue and appetite disturbance, may play a role in the development of coronary artery disease.
Scientists have identified a severe form of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tied to a gene called JM-27. A blood test detects high levels of this protein, indicating more severe symptoms. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted treatment for bladder-related complications.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions recommends stringent quality standards for PCI in hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery. These standards aim to ensure patient safety and excellent clinical outcomes, including case volume limits and training of support personnel.
Scientists analyzed ancient rocks from Hudson Bay in Quebec to confirm that high concentrations of greenhouse gases could have sustained surface temperatures above freezing 3.75 billion years ago. The study suggests that carbon dioxide played a crucial role as the Earth's 'thermostat' to support life on the planet.
Researchers have discovered that mutations in the espin protein can impair hearing by causing floppy bundles of protein filaments in hair cells. This structure change prevents the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain, leading to deafness. The findings offer a potential 'rescue' mechanism for this form of deafness.