Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a semiconductor membrane that can mimic the operation of biological ion channels, with applications in single-molecule detection, protein filtering, and DNA sequencing. The membrane uses electrostatic potentials to regulate charged species and ions, offering a degree of tunability ...
Researchers found that opinions about new technologies are related to each other and can be influenced by the context. Promoting one energy source can affect others.
Montréal researchers have identified a novel cellular protein complex targeted by HIV-1 Vpr to stop infected cell division. This discovery may lead to the development of a new class of drugs to combat HIV.
Researchers used high-tech lasers to test their effects on root canals and found they reduced bacteria amounts. The laser was also effective in eliminating bacteria and removing debris from the canal walls.
Researchers found that Src, a protein that cooperates with estrogen to break down ER-alpha, is overexpressed in ER-alpha–negative breast cancers. Src inhibition was shown to impair estrogen-stimulated ER-alpha proteolysis, suggesting that Src may stimulate estrogen-dependent ER-alpha degradation in these tumors.
Researchers found that platooning with four vehicles reduces drag, saves fuel and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Cars in a platoon experience lower drag coefficients as they move closer together.
A clinical trial involving 5,045 women in South Africa and Zimbabwe found no statistical difference in the rate of new HIV infections between those who used a diaphragm with lubricant and male condoms versus only male condoms. The study found an overall HIV incidence rate of 4.0 percent, with no additional protective benefit from addin...
Researchers found that Bak protein breaks down mitochondria into vulnerable spheres, allowing Bax to poke holes and release pro-death contents. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of programmed cell death (apoptosis) and its potential role in diseases like stroke and cancer.
A new tandem organic solar cell has been developed with increased efficiency of six and a half percent, marking the highest level achieved for solar cells made from organic materials. The discovery utilizes semiconducting polymers recognized by the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, which promises to be less expensive to produce.
A study of 5000 African women found that using diaphragms with condoms offered no additional protection against HIV. The researchers noted lower condom use in the diaphragm group, but no significant increase in HIV incidence.
A tropical butterfly species, Hypolimnas bolina, has made a remarkable comeback in just 10 generations, with the proportion of males increasing from 1% to 39%. The rise is attributed to a suppressor gene that controls the spread of Wolbachia bacteria, which previously killed most male offspring.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that robotic telerounding significantly reduced the length-of-stay for patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. The robot-assisted care reduced hospital stay by 34% and saved $219,578 per year.
UK mental health wards are criticized for being counter-therapeutic and unsafe, while a survey shows fewer people in England favor more tolerance towards mental illness. The Lancet editorial highlights the need for a substantial shift in public and ministerial attitudes to address these issues.
Researchers have developed an induction-maintenance treatment strategy that balances viral suppression with minimal harm to patients. The model suggests six to ten months of induction therapy can achieve durable suppression of HIV, making it a promising approach for eradicating resistant viruses.
A study has discovered that many human genes hover between 'on' and 'off' in any given cell, failing to finish transcription but remaining primed. This vulnerability could explain why cells acquire new properties in diseases like cancer and diabetes.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has rejected the need for improved nanotechnology oversight, prompting concerns over public and market safety. The agency's current approach is inadequate to deal with nanotechnology's novel biological and ecological characteristics, according to former officials.
A study found that children with Tourette's syndrome are quicker at processing certain mental grammar skills, including rule-governed language tasks. They showed superior performance compared to typically developing children in producing grammatically correct past tense forms.
Researchers have developed a new type of NOx Storage Reduction (NSR) catalytic converter that alternates between lean-burn conditions to reduce emissions and fuel-rich periods for regeneration. This technology has yielded important insights into the function of various components in the catalytic converter.
Researchers found that Src inhibitors can target aggressive breast cancers, which lack estrogen receptors and are more prone to growth. By inhibiting the protein Src, these treatments show promise in improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found that individuals prefer divergence in product domains where others look for signals about their identity, such as hairstyles or favorite CDs. In contrast, less identity-relevant domains like dish soap elicit much weaker divergent preferences.
A study at the University of Chicago found that Americans struggle to consider another person's point of view, whereas Chinese people are more adept at it. The researchers devised a game to test this ability and found that Chinese subjects quickly focused on the objects the director could see, while Americans took longer to figure it out.
Researchers at Duke University have made direct measurements of DNA's forces within single strands that wind around each other to form the double helix. The study, published in Physical Review Letters, reveals new insights into the stacking and pairing forces between base units.
A walking robot, RunBot, has been engineered to mimic human gait and adapt to different environments, including mountainous terrain. The robot's ability to learn from trial and error allows it to adjust its gait in response to visual input, ensuring stability and balance on slopes.
A new study by USC researchers found that when hopes are threatened, consumers turn to the marketplace for help, relying on favorable sources of information. This leads to 'motivated reasoning,' where consumers believe what they want to believe about products promising to help, even if the arguments aren't credible.
Researchers from NIST and Georgia Tech created detailed maps of electron interference patterns in graphene to understand how single-atom defects affect charge flow. The results show that missing carbon atoms cause strong scattering, unlike irregularities in the underlying silicon carbide.
A study found that shifting to water-efficient crops like cotton and soybean can decrease irrigation water use by nearly 66% on rice fields. Implementing irrigation water pricing also improves environmental conditions, but its impact on farm income is modest.
Scientists at UCSD School of Medicine have found that 'junk' DNA sequences may serve as punctuation marks to organize functional domains within the genome. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in gene therapy by understanding how genomic material contributes to the regulation of genes.
Researchers found that fragmented structure of seafloor faults and volcanic activity dampen the effects of earthquakes. This contradicts conventional wisdom about transform faults, which should be longer and more brittle.
New research reveals counterfactual thinking in readers is about undoing choices, while actors alter problem-solving processes. This challenges previous theories on the nature of this psychological mechanism.
Research by Aldret Albert Musisi shows that Uganda's physical infrastructure investment will pay itself back with substantial returns, stimulating sectoral growth and alleviating poverty. Investments in electricity and services sectors yield the greatest returns, while infrastructure upgrades benefit agriculture and industry.
A study by Elias Dinopoulous and Laixun Zhao found that emigrating unskilled workers from poor countries increases child labor rates. Additionally, child-wage subsidies lower costs for employers, leading to more child labor, according to researchers.
Researchers found that patients treated with single-drug therapy had shorter overall survival, but those receiving sequential treatment had similar survival rates to combination therapy regimens. The study results challenge conventional clinical practice and suggest a more gentle approach for some patients.
A new University of Colorado at Boulder study shows people can suppress emotional memories through practice, which could lead to new therapies for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The study found two mechanisms in the prefrontal region of the brain are involved in memory suppression.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adding folic acid to flours significantly reduced congenital neural tube deformation cases in Canada. The incidence dropped from 1.58 per 1,000 births between 1993 and 1997 to 0.86 between 2000 and 2002.
Survival rates for individuals with scleroderma have increased by 12% over the past 30 years, from 54% to 66%, thanks in part to advancements in treatment. Newer medications such as ACE inhibitors have dramatically improved outcomes for patients, particularly in reducing renal crisis mortality.
Researchers studied 150 athletes after ACL reconstruction and found no significant differences between functional knee braces and neoprene sleeves. The study suggests that most patients do not require a rigid knee brace during recovery.
Friendly young people are sensitive to the influence of others on their alcohol use, with men and extroverts drinking more than others. Upbringing, culture, and social environment also play a role in determining drinking behavior.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that installing an electronic health records system can pay for itself within 16 months. The University of Rochester Medical Center saved $393,662 per year by reducing costs associated with manual chart pulling and transcription.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine have discovered a potential new target for treating muscular dystrophy by targeting the 'brake' on utrophin gene expression. The study proposes using drugs to remove this brake, increasing utrophin production as a possible therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The Lancet Series explores inappropriate prescribing in elderly people, with evidence suggesting overprescription of drugs and inadequate patient involvement. Drug-drug interactions are also a significant concern, with 46% of elderly outpatients at risk of potentially significant interactions.
Scientists analyze data from the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Moon's surface to predict tropical cyclone development, assess ocean temperature and salinity changes, develop new tsunami forecasting methods, and understand lunar surface composition. These findings shed light on the impacts of climate change on extreme weather e...
The American College of Medical Genetics recommends that all newborns be screened for 29 serious disorders, which can lead to death or mental retardation if left untreated. Early detection and treatment through newborn screening can make a significant difference in the long-term outcome of affected children.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has recognized 40 distinguished members as its 2007 ASTRO Fellows. The nominees have made significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology through research, patient care, education, or leadership.
Researchers at UCL have detected water vapor in the atmosphere of an extrasolar planet, HD 189733b. The discovery was made using NASA's Spitzer telescope and confirms that water might be more common than previously thought outside our Solar System.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking new mouse model for lung transplantation, which could lead to breakthroughs in preventing transplant rejection. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms controlling lung graft survival and develop therapies to counteract chronic rejection.
A $2 million federal grant will help the OHSU Cardiac Arrhythmia Center pinpoint those at greatest risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to left ventricular hypertrophy. The study aims to improve identification and prediction methods, potentially averting disaster before it happens.
A recent study discovered a gene variant that significantly increases the risk of developing gallstones, with affected individuals being two to three times more likely to develop the condition. The relevant gene contains instructions for building a molecular pump that transports cholesterol into bile ducts.
Research by Temple University Assistant Professor Jennifer K. Ibrahim reveals the tobacco industry's aggressive methods to quash effective anti-smoking campaigns, including strategies to limit funding and litigation. The study finds that ads revealing deceptive practices are the most effective in reducing smoking rates.
Scientists have developed a detailed understanding of neutral-neutral reactions at low temperatures, shedding light on their importance in interstellar chemistry. The study's findings suggest that these reactions can play a significant role in the chemistry of interstellar space, contrary to conventional wisdom.
Astronomers have detected water vapor in the atmosphere of HD 189733b, a gas giant 63 light-years away. The presence of water vapour suggests that the planet may have had liquid water on its surface at some point, increasing hopes for detecting life on other rocky planets.
Astronomers used powerful telescopes to detect giant Jupiter-like planets in the outer regions of nearby solar systems, but found none beyond 5 astronomical units from their stars. The survey, which was conducted over three years, aimed to determine what the average planetary system looks like and whether ours is typical.
Researchers found a genetic variant linked to an increased risk of developing COPD in smokers, suggesting a gene-environment interaction. The study suggests that genetic factors play a role in the development of COPD, alongside environmental exposure to cigarette smoke.
Researchers have discovered a new physical phenomenon called acoustic plasmon, which can be triggered into an excited state with very low energy input. This discovery could have significant implications for the design of ultra-high velocity electronic devices and materials for medical applications.
Researchers discovered that neutrophils recognize and respond to a specific form of sugar called beta-1,6-glucan on the surface of fungi, which elicits a stronger reaction than another sugar with similar chemical properties. This unique sugar may help stimulate the immune system and combat deadly pathogens.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have uncovered the structure of a key pain molecule, P2X receptors, using microscopic slime moulds. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new painkillers for chronic conditions like migraine and backache.
Researchers have discovered that p27 can act as both a CDK-dependent tumor suppressor and a CDK-independent oncogene. This finding has significant implications for understanding cancer growth and developing drugs to target p27 dysfunction.
A team of researchers has developed a computational approach to accurately predict the function of proteins with unknown structures and functions. By comparing amino acid sequences to known proteins, they can identify potential substrates and understand the protein's biological role.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that microRNA molecules, specifically miR-203, are significantly upregulated in psoriasis and may be involved in regulating keratinocytes. This study suggests that microRNA therapies could become more effective than traditional medicines targeting individual proteins.
Researchers developed a new treatment for liver cancer using a monoclonal antibody targeting PDGFRá. The antibody significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation and increased programmed cell death in human and mouse liver cancer cell lines.
Research found that birds with brightly colored plumage and those that migrate long distances are more adversely affected by Chernobyl radiation due to their high antioxidant levels. Populations of these species declined significantly, while drab species were less affected.