Children with Williams syndrome exhibit universal sociability, but cultural differences influence social behavior in the US and Japan. Their social phenotype is shaped by both genes and interactions with the environment.
Researchers found estrogen induces expression of PI-9, a granzyme inhibitor that prevents immune cells from killing tumor cells. High levels of estrogen increase resistance to immune attack in breast cancer cells.
Researchers successfully reactivate p53 in mice, causing tumors to self-destruct through senescence and apoptosis. This breakthrough offers potential new strategies for cancer treatment.
A study published in The American Journal of Human Genetics identifies the chitinase 3-like 1 gene as a potential risk factor for schizophrenia. Genetic variations in this gene were found to be associated with schizophrenia, suggesting that genes involved in biological response to adverse conditions may play a role in predisposition.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a four-year grant to the Center for Workshops in the Chemical Sciences (CWCS), supporting series of workshops for college professors. The workshops have had an enormous impact on course development, programs, and majors at many institutions.
A team of UCLA and Caltech chemists has demonstrated a large-scale, ultra-dense memory device using reconfigurable molecular switches. The device stores information using bistable rotaxane molecules, which can be switched at very modest voltages.
A recent study found that social and cultural factors contribute to regional differences in male serial killers in the United States. The study, led by James DeFronzo, examined data from 1970 to 1992 and discovered a correlation between high execution rates and southern states with more serial killers.
Researchers at MIT have shown that re-activating the tumor suppressor gene p53 can cause tumors to shrink or disappear in mice. The study offers critical genetic evidence that continuous repression of p53 is required for a tumor to survive.
Researchers found that ion channels are physically bound to G proteins, allowing for precise targeting of electrical signals. This discovery could lead to the development of more efficient drugs for epilepsy and other nervous system diseases.
The microshutters will enable scientists to block unwanted light from objects closer to the camera in space, letting the light from faraway objects shine through. This technology allows the telescope to focus on the faint light of stars and galaxies so far away, they formed early in the history of the universe.
Claire Ting's project aims to determine how genomic differences become advantages in the capacity for photosynthesis of cyanobacteria under certain environmental conditions. The research will also examine molecular responses and mechanisms triggered by changes in light, temperature, and other environmental factors.
A study published in BJU International found that a topical anaesthetic spray delayed ejaculation by five times as long, with participants experiencing an average delay of four minutes. The TEMPE spray, containing lidocaine and prilocaine, showed promising results in delaying premature ejaculation.
Men diagnosed with breast cancer are at a significantly high risk of developing a second primary cancer, particularly those of the breast, stomach, and skin. The researchers recommend closer monitoring and screening for these men to reduce the risk of second cancer.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a way to coat nanoparticles with a chemical that helps them slip through the body's protective mucus barrier. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for diseases like cancer and infections, delivered directly to affected areas without unwanted side effects.
A new species of cichlid, Ptychochromis loisellei, has been named in honor of Dr. Paul Loiselle, an ichthyologist who has dedicated his career to safeguarding Madagascar's freshwater fishes. The newly described black and gold cichlid is about five inches long and found in several river systems in the northeastern part of the country.
The partnership makes Depression and Anxiety, a leading journal on anxiety disorders, accessible to a broader audience. The journal will provide essential information for researchers and clinicians in the behavioral sciences, ultimately enhancing its impact in advancing research and treatment of anxiety disorders.
Research suggests that women's implicit stereotypes about math ability and their gender identity impact their performance in mathematical fields. Women who hold strong gender stereotypes perform worse than those without such biases.
Scientists identify a DNA repair enzyme, OGG1, that may predict high risk of developing head and neck cancer in smokers. The OGG blood test could help identify those at risk and encourage quitting.
A new study challenges the notion of deep societal divisions in Mexico following the 2006 presidential election. The research suggests that elite-level politics are more polarized than ever, while mass voting patterns reveal moderation and a lack of clear divisions. The findings contribute to a better understanding of Mexican democracy.
Researchers have developed a new nanotechnology that can examine single molecules to determine gene expression, enabling more accurate analysis of individual cancer cells. This technology uses a GRIN approach combining genomics, robotics, informatics, and nanotechnology.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute create ultra-miniaturized keypad locking mechanism using fluorescent probes and iron ions. They achieve distinguishable outputs by controlling the logic gate within a reaction time frame.
Research found prenatal exposure to nicotine alters brain areas critical for learning and reward, programming the brain for relapse to nicotine addiction. Pregnant women who smoke may need tailored smoking cessation approaches due to increased risk of relapse after birth.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and other institutions have developed a test of string theory, which involves measuring the scattering of high-energy particles in particle collisions. The test could eventually be performed at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) if the predicted predictions are not found.
Researchers have discovered intermediary stage embryos between early-stage animal embryos and their adult forms, shedding light on the development of Earth's first animals. The discoveries were made using microfocus X-ray computed tomography (microCT) imaging and suggest that these embryos would have grown into tubular organisms.
Researchers have discovered a drumlin, a mound of sediment and rock, actively forming and growing under the ice sheet in Antarctica. The study, using time-lapse seismic surveys, reveals the drumlin grew ten times faster than expected, providing new insights into the drag on the underside of the ice.
In promiscuous rodents, individual sperm work together in groups to increase competitiveness and successfully reach the female egg. This cooperation enables faster and stronger swimming, making them better competitors in fertilization races.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that brief preoperation team meetings can increase awareness of OR safety and perceptions of operating room personnel. The surveys showed a 13.2% increase in those who believed the policy would be effective and over 90% agreed that team discussions are important for patient safety.
A randomized controlled trial in Senegal shows that an intervention program with improved communication and community involvement significantly increased cure rates (88% vs 76%) and reduced default rates by nearly 60%. The program also decreased the time to defaulting from treatment.
A University of Florida-led study has determined that Titanis walleri, a prehistoric 'terror bird,' arrived in North America from South America 2 million years before the land bridge formed. The team used geochemical analysis to revise the ages of terror bird fossils, finding they were 5 million years old.
A new study by Oregon State University and the EPA found that over 600 rivers in the western US have widespread mercury contamination in fish. Piscivorous fish like bass and walleye show significantly higher levels of mercury than non-piscivore species like trout.
Researchers have discovered that spinal cord neurons show irregular firing patterns during network activity, similar to the cerebral cortex. This finding enables exploration of how spinal cords generate movements, shedding light on the complex system controlling human motion.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective initial daily therapy for children with mild to moderate persistent asthma. The study also showed no significant adverse growth effects among any of the medicines studied.
A study found that older men and women have a similar and substantial risk of subsequent fracture after an initial low-trauma fracture. This highlights the importance of preventive treatment, as virtually all low-trauma fractures indicate increased risk of subsequent osteoporotic fracture, particularly in the next 5-10 years.
A major 20-year study has cast doubt on the assumption that orthodontic treatment improves psychological well-being. The study found that orthodontic treatment had little positive impact on participants' psychological health and quality of life in adulthood, contradicting widespread beliefs among dentists.
A team of Canadian researchers discovered a distinct dopamine signalling complex in the brain, which may have a significant role in understanding and treating schizophrenia. This novel target involves two different types of dopamine receptors that only create brain signals when both are stimulated at the same time.
A Brown University study finds that a single protein plays a major role in the spread of deadly prion diseases by fragmenting clusters of infectious proteins. This process could be slowed or inhibited with a drug, potentially slowing progression of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's as well.
Dartmouth researchers found that North America's prevailing winds in the mid-latitudes once blew from the east, not the west. This change was influenced by a growing and intensifying northern circumpolar vortex, resulting in shifting temperature and precipitation patterns.
A team of researchers from Yale University and other institutions have discovered two 56-million-year-old fossils, including the most primitive primate skeleton ever described. The study reconstructs the base of the primate family tree, providing evidence that plesiadapiforms are the most primitive primates.
The International Harmonization Project has developed new guidelines for assessing lymphoma treatment, providing uniform criteria for clinical trials and interpreting response to treatment. The revised guidelines incorporate PET scans and immunohistochemistry, allowing for more accurate assessment of tumor viability.
A new oral corticosteroid therapy has significantly reduced deaths from gastrointestinal graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) in stem-cell transplant patients. The treatment, which includes a reformulated version of beclomethasone dipropionate, kept GVHD in remission and allowed patients to taper off high-dose prednisone therapy.
A new study conducted by the University of Texas at Austin found that children's age and family dynamics play a significant role in shaping weekend leisure activity choices. The study reveals that children whose fathers have a higher education level are more likely to engage in active recreation, while those from single-parent househol...
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that antiretroviral resistance testing significantly improves life expectancy and quality of life for HIV patients. The study also revealed cost savings for society, including reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity.
Researchers developed a novel virus culture system that enables sustained replication and production of HCV particles in nontransformed hepatocytes. This breakthrough allows for better understanding of HCV differences between strains and may improve treatment strategies.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that young cancer survivors are at risk of developing unhealthy behaviors, including smoking, lack of exercise, and inadequate sun protection. The study suggests that these behaviors can increase the risk of cancer recurrence and chronic disease in adulthood.
UCSB is part of a $12.5M DARPA-funded consortium researching robust uncertainty management in large networks with complex dynamics. The project aims to develop techniques for predicting the consequences of events like power grid blackouts and improving decision-making under uncertainty.
Researchers successfully control rotation of axel-mounted molecular wheel, marking major breakthrough in creating molecular machines. The achievement opens up new possibilities for technological advancements and understanding at the molecular scale.
Scientists discovered that bony fish duplicated their yolk-producing genes, allowing eggs to fill with water and float. This post-R3 lineage-specific gene duplication enabled hydration of maturing eggs, driving the evolution and success of marine teleosts in the oceanic environment.
Scientists have created highly efficient infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that can be used in night-vision devices, emitting a reddish-orange glow. The LEDs use a phosphorescent platinum porphyrin complex as a doping agent to improve efficiency and emit light for longer periods.
A study published in JAMA found that citalopram was superior to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with coronary artery disease. The treatment also improved perceived social support and daily function.
A study by UC Irvine scientists found that short but repeated learning sessions can slow the development of two brain lesions associated with Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that stimulating the mind through activities like reading or crossword puzzles may help delay and/or prevent the disease in senior citizens.
A new study conducted at NYU Medical Center found that lap band surgery is an effective procedure for combating obesity in adolescents. Patients who underwent the surgery lost approximately 50% of their excess weight within a year, with no significant complications.
Women with a history of abuse by intimate partners have significantly higher health care costs and utilization than those without such a history. The study found that annual total health care costs were 19% higher in women with a history of IPV, with increased primary care visits, specialist visits, and prescription refills.
A study by Einstein researchers found that bioterrorism alerts can measurably raise anxiety levels, which could lead to adverse health effects. The team used volunteers to compare the impact of potent and neutral messages on anxiety levels.
The Southwest Ohio STEM Secondary Teacher Academy will provide an intensive three-week summer experience, internships, and mentoring for 50 high school students. The program aims to recruit and prepare mathematics and science teachers from underrepresented groups to increase diversity in the teaching profession.
The DOE JGI has released the latest upgrade of its metagenomics data management and analysis system, IMG/M. The enhanced version provides aggregate genome data from recent studies on biological phosphorus removing sludge, human distal gut, a gutless marine worm, and obese and lean mouse gut.
A new test developed by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists identifies malignant blood cells that are highly vulnerable to an experimental cancer drug. The drug works by neutralizing the Bcl-2 action, unleashing molecules that trigger suicide in the cancer cells.
Researchers found that epilepsy patients can reliably predict when they are likely to have a seizure, with 32% accuracy. Accurate predictions also indicate reduced risk of seizures, providing reassurance and improved quality of life for those with epilepsy.
Researchers have developed a novel transdermal vaccine approach that effectively clears brain-damaging plaques from a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The vaccine works by triggering the immune system to recognize abnormal protein Ab as a foreign invader, reducing cognitive deficits and senile plaque burden.
A recent meta-analysis supports the existence of metabolic syndrome as a predictor of cardiovascular disease and death, particularly in women. The study analyzed over 37 studies and found that the constellation of conditions constituting metabolic syndrome increases heart risk compared to individual factors alone.
A Scripps Research study discovered that TRPA1 is directly activated by reactive chemicals through covalent modification of cysteine amino acids. This unique mechanism differs from other ion channels, which typically bind reversibly.