Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a central command system for pulmonary hypertension, a disease with no cure and high mortality rate. The team identified nuclear-factor-of-activated-T-lymphocytes (NFAT) as a potential controlling element in the cause of the disease.
Research found no significant differences in depleted uranium levels among UK Army personnel exposed to varying degrees, with levels close to those of naturally occurring uranium. The study alleviates fears about the health of military personnel exposed to radioactive depleted uranium.
The study reveals that humans use two different methods to track moving objects: low-level motion perception and high-level motion perception. Participants showed varying capabilities in each area, with some excelling at catching up to a target and others better at locking onto it.
Wide-scale communal use of insecticide-treated bed nets would provide considerable benefit to vulnerable groups, particularly adults and older children. This approach is supported by malaria transmission models suggesting a significant reduction in mosquito-borne disease transmission.
Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new oncogene, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), that contributes to the formation of two types of brain malignancies, astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma.
Researchers at the University of Oregon discovered a fundamental genetic mechanism in a marine worm that determines cell diversity and plays a role in cancer. The beta-catenin signaling pathway was found to be highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom.
A pilot study found that drinking 8 ounces of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice daily improved erections in 47% of male subjects, compared to 32% on placebo. The antioxidant content of pomegranate juice may mitigate arterial plaque and promote blood vessel dilation.
Research reveals that p53 gene mutations can trigger skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), by accelerating malignant progression and sensitizing skin cells to tumor formation. Inflammation also plays a critical role in SCC development, with the chemokine receptor D6 acting as a key regulator.
A new study has achieved four successful pregnancies using immature oocytes collected from unstimulated ovaries, matured in vitro, and then vitrified, marking a significant breakthrough in fertility preservation. The research has the potential to become an important option for patients with PCOS or those who cannot undergo ovarian stim...
The GBIF Data Portal offers instant mapping and plotting of biodiversity data on Google Earth, facilitating ecological studies and predicting species response to climate change. The portal is expected to significantly increase the number of participating institutions, making global biodiversity data freely available worldwide.
The NIH has awarded $3.4 million to support the development of innovative technologies for exploring the genomic underpinnings of cancer. Eight research teams will focus on analyzing methylation, epigenomics, and gene expression patterns in various types of cancer.
Scientists discovered preserved samples of the 1918 influenza virus in frozen autopsy tissues from an Alaskan woman buried for over 75 years. The recovery enabled researchers to study the virus's genetic material, providing valuable insights into its structure and potential vulnerabilities.
A recent study suggests that people with high cholesterol levels may be more susceptible to severe cases of tick-borne disease. The study found that bacteria levels were 10 times greater in mice with high cholesterol, indicating a potential link between cholesterol and disease severity.
Rimonabant reduces liver damage markers, decreases pro-inflammatory proteins, and improves lipid profiles in obese rats. It also normalizes levels of adiponectin, a hormone involved in metabolic disorders.
A new study reveals the challenges posed by PGD patients traveling abroad, with concerns over referral processes, counselling, and monitoring. The study highlights inconsistencies in regulation across Europe, with some countries allowing prenatal testing but not PGD.
African naked mole-rats live in colonies where only the queen reproduces, suppressing fertility in females and males around her through bullying. This stress-induced block to puberty is thought to affect hormone regulation and reproductive tract development. Understanding the mechanisms behind this social suppression could lead to insi...
Scientists create whole genome maps of chromatin in embryonic stem cells, revealing a special code that underlies cell identity. The study provides a framework for mapping the complete chromatin landscape of almost any kind of cell.
Scientists have discovered a direct connection between stress and obesity, revealing that neuropeptide Y can 'unlock' fat cells. Blocking the Y2 receptor may prevent fat growth or even kill fat cells.
A study by Timothy Salthouse found that cognitive scores vary significantly within test-takers as between age groups, raising questions about the validity of single test scores. Repeating tests over a short period may provide a more accurate range of scores, improving diagnostic workups.
Scientists at the University of Exeter have discovered a rapid brain mechanism that helps people avoid repeating previous errors. This 'early warning signal' is triggered in just 0.1 seconds after making an incorrect prediction, allowing individuals to learn from their mistakes and make better decisions in the future.
Researchers developed a new way to predict when vegetation dries to its most vulnerable state to large-scale fires in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles. The study found that global warming has not caused any apparent long-term trend toward early fire seasons in the area.
A study led by University of Cincinnati scientists has found that the RON receptor is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells, suggesting a link between the receptor and disease development. The researchers believe blocking the receptor's signaling pathways could lead to new therapies for this deadly disease.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found a mechanism to manipulate fat in targeted areas using simple chemical injections. This breakthrough could lead to better control of metabolic syndrome and revolutionize human cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
Scientists successfully extracted and froze eggs from ovarian tissue of girls as young as 5 years old, a breakthrough in preserving fertility in young cancer patients. The study found an average of 8.5 eggs per patient, with a 32% success rate in maturing the eggs in vitro.
A team of scientists, led by UCSF's Brian Shoichet, successfully translated the structure of an enzyme into its function. By modifying a molecular docking technique, they predicted the natural molecule that triggers enzyme action, confirming the approach's potential to determine how key enzymes work in the body.
Researchers using Loop Quantum Gravity theory find a contracting universe before the Big Bounce, with space-time geometry similar to today's. A new mathematical model allows for precise analytical solutions and reveals a 'cosmic forgetfulness' due to extreme quantum forces during the Big Bounce.
Researchers found that even moderate exposure to cat allergen resulted in significantly greater responsiveness among individuals with any sensitization. The study suggests that reduced exposure to cats may be beneficial for allergic individuals, regardless of their specific allergies.
Scientists have developed a method to insert unnatural amino acids into living mammalian cells, allowing for precise control over protein structure and function. This breakthrough enables the study of previously inaccessible biological questions, such as the mechanism of ion channels in nerve cells.
Researchers have identified Interleukin-12 (IL-12) as a vital molecule for resistance to food allergy. By delivering an allergen in the presence of IL-12, allergic reactions could be brought under control, potentially providing a new treatment option.
A study of over 100,000 patients found that suicide attempts decreased during the first month of treatment for depression, regardless of medication or therapy type. Patients who received antidepressant prescriptions from psychiatrists were more likely to attempt suicide than those who received them from primary care doctors.
A study found that combining endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) increases diagnostic yield in peripheral lung lesions. The procedure achieved a sensitivity comparable to surgical biopsies, with a 88% diagnostic yield, while reducing complications.