Developing B cells produce the antibody-altering protein AID, which directs and strengthens their response to disease pathogens. This discovery may offer new research directions for understanding autoimmunity and other diseases.
A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that obesity is a significant risk factor for developing multiple myeloma. The research, which analyzed data from over 100,000 participants, discovered that individuals with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) were more likely to develop the disease.
Researchers found that a drug originally developed to fight tuberculosis can help people with OCD make more progress in therapy, with participants reporting less distress and anxiety. The drug, D-Cycloserine, is believed to accelerate extinction learning and will be studied on smokers who want to quit.
A CU-Boulder study finds that glaciers and ice caps are currently contributing about 60% of the world's ice to the oceans, with an accelerating rate of 3 cubic miles per year. The team estimates this could add up to 4-9.5 inches of additional sea level rise globally by 2100.
Researchers developed a method to catalog genetic variations in Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing regions targeted by natural selection. The study found that one out of 10 genes is very different and many gene families were shaped by evolution. The data have been placed in a publicly accessible database.
Scientists have developed a novel approach to probing protein folding energy, revealing the slope and height of the energy barrier proteins must overcome. This method has the potential to shed light on how amino acid sequences affect protein function and how diseases arise from misfolding.
Researchers have discovered that cell surface mucin 1 (Muc1) is a key component of the gut's defense against bacterial infections. Mice infected with Campylobacter jejuni were found to be more susceptible to intestinal damage without Muc1, highlighting its critical role in preventing infection spread.
A large study of over 17,000 men found that finasteride caused a small decrease in sexual function, but this effect diminished over time. The researchers concluded that finasteride is unlikely to cause significant sexual dysfunction for most men taking the drug.
Chinese researchers report a convenient method for synthesizing short protein chains using inexpensive starting materials and a simple cobalt complex catalyst. The new technique, similar to olefin polymerization, could be ideal for industrial production and may lead to the creation of polypeptides that were previously inaccessible.
Researchers discovered that PKR enzyme plays a crucial role in the antiviral effect of interferon against some viruses. They found that PKR affects protein synthesis and apoptosis, leading to reduced cell death and viral replication in response to stimuli.
Fossils discovered in New Mexico reveal that dinosaurs and their predecessors lived side by side for 15-20 million years. The findings provide new insights into the evolution of dinosaur precursors and challenge long-held theories about the pace of changeover.
A 44-year-old man with a tiny brain and massive ventricular enlargement led a normal life despite mild leg weakness and cognitive impairments. He underwent various treatments, including shunt insertions and neuroendoscopic procedures, to manage his symptoms.
A new study finds that reducing insulin signaling in the brain can lead to a longer lifespan, with genetically engineered mice living up to 18% longer. This breakthrough suggests that diet and exercise may be key to preventing age-related diseases.
Researchers solved checkers by creating a computer program that cannot be beaten, using 500 billion positions and superior processing capabilities. The program, Chinook, may play to a draw but will never lose.
A NASA researcher has developed a new method to anticipate food shortages brought on by drought using satellite remote sensing of crop growth and food prices. The model can help government and humanitarian aid officials plan and respond to drought-induced food price increases, reducing the risk of famine.
A study by CSIRO Australia suggests that removing invasive predators from island breeding colonies could offset 'bycatch' losses, saving more seabirds at a lower cost. This approach could be an effective means of conservation, particularly for species affected by fishing and invasive species.
Studies reveal a gene-regulating protein that triggers coping mechanisms in mice exposed to inescapable stress, leading to reduced behavioral despair. The discovery provides an animal model for exploring how antidepressants work on the brain circuitry involved in stress response.
Dr. Kathryn Abel was honored with the American Society for Engineering Education's Best Paper Award for her paper on finding appropriate data for ABET self-study sections B2 and B3. The award recognizes her contributions to engineering education, including program leadership and outstanding student mentoring.
A study by Dr. Michael Holick reveals that vitamin D deficiency is common and problematic, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. The author suggests increasing recommended Adequate Intakes for vitamin D to 800-1000 IU/d.
A gene variant in the complement C3 gene has been found to more than double the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of visual loss and blindness. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that inflammation plays a key role in the disease process.
Researchers have confirmed six new genetic variants that increase the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease. These variants, found in chromosomes 2, 6, 10 and 15, as well as two on chromosome 1 and one on chromosome 9, are common in white Europeans and explain a significant proportion of heart attacks.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technique that improves the ability to detect genetic disorders in infants and young children, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The method uses metabolomics and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to analyze biomarkers in blood and urine.
Research shows a slowdown in heart disease deaths among younger Britons, with death rates levelling off in some age groups. This trend is concerning as it may indicate that the gains made in reducing heart disease mortality are being reversed due to rising obesity and diabetes rates.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a new biochemical mechanism for memory storage, involving persistent changes in slow nerve currents. The discovery may also link memory and addiction, with potential implications for treating conditions such as epilepsy and diseases of memory.
Research found 28 out of 33 young elite tennis players had spinal abnormalities, including disc degeneration, herniated discs, and stress fractures. The study highlights the need to modify training techniques to minimize musculoskeletal damage in young athletes.
A recent study published in Critical Care found that decreasing nurse staffing levels in intensive care units increases the risk of serious infections. Over a four-year period, researchers discovered that patients were more likely to develop ventilator-associated pneumonia six days or more after being placed on a ventilator when there ...
A study of 1835 antiretroviral-naive patients found that those with suppressed HIV viral loads could see significant increases in CD4 cell counts over time, even after five years on treatment. Patients with low initial CD4 counts showed substantial rises in counts.
Research in Emergency Medicine Journal reveals UK licensing law changes trebled overnight visits to emergency care for alcohol-related problems. The new laws allowed alcohol to be available around the clock, leading to a rise in alcohol-related issues and violent assaults.
The Wisconsin Longitudinal Study has tracked over 10,000 graduates since 1957, providing unprecedented insight into how young people's experiences shape their lives as they age. Researchers have used this data to inform public policies and practices, and the study continues to be a model for long-term federal studies.
A catastrophic megaflood separated Britain from France hundreds of thousands of years ago, carving a massive valley along the English Channel. The flood reorganized river drainages in north-west Europe, affecting early human occupation in Britain and potentially leading to an abrupt halt in migration.
Repeated bouts of shorter exercise with rest periods burn more fat than single long sessions, according to a recent study in Japan. Researchers found that the repeated exercise method enhanced fat mobilization and utilization during and after exercise.
A national study found that ICSI use for male-factor infertility has increased significantly, with a stable proportion of patients receiving treatment. States with mandated insurance coverage showed greater use of ICSI beyond male-factor infertility indications.
A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that very young babies, particularly those under a month old, are vulnerable to sudden death when seated. The research analyzed data from 1991-2000 and found that the rate of deaths among seated babies is relatively small, but extra care should be taken for these infants.
Researchers describe a single bacterial protein, AvrPtoB, that can overcome plant defenses and evade immune response. The study suggests that the evolution of this protein is an example of the 'arms race' between pathogens and plants.
Researchers have designed a hybrid material that combines the dry adhesive properties of geckos with the underwater adhesive properties of mussels, producing a synthetic material that adheres well under both wet and dry conditions. The geckel nanoadhesive showed improved adherence compared to previous gecko-based synthetic adhesives.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine identifies a genetic link to Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), a common sleep disorder. The gene variant is found to be associated with at least 50% of RLS cases, and nearly 65% of the population carries at least one copy.
Researchers suggest assessing levies for by-catch to fund conservation measures. This approach would give fishermen financial incentives to avoid catching noncommercial species while providing funds to address more hazardous threats to seabirds and turtles.
A new study found that people's responses to placebo treatments are linked to their brain's dopamine activity, particularly in the nucleus accumbens. The study used two types of brain scans to investigate this phenomenon and suggests that individual expectations play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of placebos.
Scientists pinpointed the nucleus accumbens as key player in the placebo effect, which influences treatment efficacy through expectation. The study found that anticipation of pain relief triggers dopamine release from NAC.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that simvastatin is associated with a lower incidence of dementia and Parkinson's disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 700,000 simvastatin users and more than 50,000 atorvastatin users to confirm the benefits of simvastatin on these conditions.
Researchers found a strong correlation between tumor responses during treatment and three months after completion, suggesting PET scans can be performed earlier to modify treatment plans. This could lead to better tumor control and survival rates, potentially changing standard practice guidelines.
A study suggests that JK Rowling's Harry Potter series draws subtle parallels with contemporary society, including the British government's post-9/11 response to terrorism. The author believes that the series reflects unfair and unjustifiable measures taken by the government in the name of the war on terror.
A research review of 136 countries found elevated leukaemia rates in children and young people near nuclear facilities, with rates increasing by 14-24% depending on proximity. The study suggests that the cause remains unclear, with environmental exposure and viral transmission being proposed hypotheses.
Recent terror attacks have raised concerns about discriminating against overseas doctors who work in the NHS. The Lancet Editorial warns that such actions would be shameful and unjust, given the significant contributions overseas doctors have made to the healthcare system.
A Princeton team has created a movie of fruit fly embryo development using physics and molecular biology methods, revealing precise blueprint formation. The researchers found that cells can distinguish between neighboring nuclei based on concentration gradients, a process with sensitivity approaching physical limits.
The study confirms that modern humans originated from a single area in Sub-saharan Africa, with genetic diversity decreasing as populations migrated further away. The researchers found no evidence to support alternative non-African origins.
Research finds cryptic species hiding in plain sight across all major branches of the animal kingdom, defying geographical and taxonomic expectations. DNA analysis reveals genetic divergence among similar-looking animals, highlighting a significant underestimation of global biodiversity.
Scientists have developed a new technique to measure the speed of nuclei traveling at one-third the speed of light, enabling the study of rare isotopes. The method uses the Doppler effect to calculate the nucleus's speed based on gamma ray emissions.
A study at Tufts University found that cravings don't go away during dieting and are linked to types of foods craved. Participants who lost more body weight were less likely to give in to their cravings, suggesting that allowing oneself to have crave foods can be key to successful weight control.
A new therapy, certolizumab pegol, has been found to be effective in easing symptoms of patients with active Crohn's disease. The treatment was shown to improve clinical symptoms in both short-term and long-term maintenance therapies, offering a potential new option for managing the condition.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified a gene variant associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease in children. The study found that 64% of children with the disease had a specific variant form of the ATG16L1 gene, compared to 52% of healthy children.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new biomaterial that can be injected into wounds to deliver targeted payloads of cells and antibiotics, enabling repair and regeneration of damaged tissue. The hydrogels also display antimicrobial properties, making them suitable for treating infections.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered how a major plant hormone works to defend plants against insects and pathogens. The study reveals that the hormone jasmonate triggers direct interaction between JAZ proteins and a second protein complex, SCFCOI1, to activate defense responses.
A comprehensive review of biofuel literature reveals corn ethanol is the least sustainable feedstock, offsetting only 15% of gasoline demand. Cellulosic ethanol offers a 87% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more viable alternative for combating global warming.
Scientists have discovered that cancer cells eliminate the enzyme protein kinase G (PKG), leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Reintroducing PKG into cancer cells has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis, suggesting a potential new avenue for targeted cancer treatment.
Researchers found that alcohol can both increase and decrease aggression depending on where attention is focused. Drunk individuals were less aggressive when their attention was divided between tasks, while sober individuals exhibited low-level aggression due to natural attention towards provocations.
A recent study published in Neuron found that the brain's neural activity changes when searching for specific objects, regardless of their location. The researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity and discovered patterns of activity that were not previously understood.
Researchers have developed a synthetic adhesive, called 'geckel,' that exhibits strong yet reversible adhesion in both air and water. The material combines the adhesive properties of geckos with those of mussels, showing improved wet adhesion 15-fold over uncoated pillar arrays.
The W.M. Keck Foundation has pledged $1.5 million to support the final phase of research and development for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope's (LSST) three-billion pixel digital camera. The LSST will survey the entire visible sky deeply in multiple colors every few nights, probing dark matter and dark energy.
A study by University at Buffalo endocrinologists found that flavonoids in orange juice suppress destructive oxygen free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in healthy participants. The two types of flavonoids, hesperetin and naringenin, inhibited ROS generation by 52% and 77%, respectively.