The NIAID Research Agenda for Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) and Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR) Tuberculosis (TB) identifies six critical areas for investigation, including new diagnostics, therapy, and vaccines. The agenda aims to close gaps in understanding MDR/XDR TB and improve clinical management, particularly for people with HIV/AIDS.
Pediatricians now have a practical tool to help determine whether children with chronic diseases like Crohn's, juvenile arthritis and anorexia nervosa are at increased risk for bone mass deficiencies, fracture or osteoporosis as they get older. Researchers developed standardized data on bone mass categorized by sex, age, and race.
Critical high-temperature superconducting materials exhibit metallic behavior, similar to ordinary metals. This discovery paves the way for a deeper understanding and potentially higher critical temperatures, bringing us closer to room temperature superconductivity.
Researchers at Brown University have successfully captured the motion of a single electron in liquid helium using sound waves. The images show electrons moving through the fluid in snakelike paths, which are believed to be following vortex lines - a phenomenon akin to a tornado in superfluids.
Scientists have discovered a statistical relationship between brain levels of the enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAO) A and aggressive personality in healthy non-violent volunteers. The study found that higher MAO A activity was associated with less aggressive behavior, while lower MAO A activity was linked to more aggressive tendencies.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute successfully reprogrammed mature skin cells into pluripotent cells, identical to embryonic stem cells, without using eggs or destroying embryos. These cells can give rise to live mice and transmit their genetic material to subsequent generations.
A new study identifies a genetic 'fellow traveler' that influences the risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered the GAB2 gene, which appears to modify Alzheimer's risk in people with a specific version of the APOE gene.
Researchers identified a sodium transporter gene that helps plants grow better in low-nutrient conditions. The OsHKT2;1 transporter allows plants to take up sodium, reducing the toxic effects of salt stress and even enhancing growth under nutrient-poor soils.
A new study links birth weight with adult health and socioeconomic success, finding that low birth weight increases the risk of poor health, lower earnings, and reduced educational attainment. The study analyzed over 35 years of data on more than 12,000 individuals from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics.
GSK has launched a Phase III trial evaluating its novel immunotherapy MAGE-A3 ASCI in patients with stage IB or II NSCLC. The trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of MAGE-A3 ASCI as adjuvant therapy following surgery.
A new study by Brandeis University and Harvard University finds that the US pays over $90 billion annually for the economic costs of hunger. The average American household pays around $800 per year for hunger-related expenses.
Research found that smokers with diabetes received increased cessation advice since 2004's performance-related GP incentives. This led to reduced smoking rates among those with the condition, especially in disadvantaged groups.
A miniature robot developed by Prof. Leo Joskowicz and his team enables precise targeting in neurosurgical procedures, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes. The system, which uses preoperative scans and real-time image guidance, has been recognized with a Kaye Innovation Award.
The study found that antibodies against arthropod saliva can indicate exposure to bites, allowing for improved assessment of disease transmission risk in endemic areas. This research aims to develop simple and effective prevention tools using immunogenic salivary proteins.
Researchers have identified a molecular link between spontaneous physical activity and food intake in mice, which could help explain individual variations in weight gain. The discovery of Bsx, a molecule regulating NPY and AgRP hormones, may lead to new ways to prevent obesity and related diseases.
A study found that paying hospitals extra money for following treatment guidelines didn't improve patient outcomes. However, providing hospitals with the necessary information to improve care did lead to better results.
A new study reports 68 incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning in hotel guests, resulting in 27 deaths and 66 pathological conditions. Effective CO prevention measures could reduce lifetime risk for frequent travelers.
UCI will receive $3.9 million to enhance its core embryonic stem cell research laboratory and expand a training program for young scientists on research techniques involving human embryonic stem cells. The grant is part of $50 million in funding awarded to 17 institutions by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University has discovered evidence that honeybees use a phylogenetically old molecular cascade to develop queens and workers. The findings, published in PLoS ONE, show that the TOR pathway is directly linked to nutrient-induced development, enabling two distinct phenotypes to evolve.
Researchers at USC have identified specific molecular markers that may help predict tumor recurrence in stage II and III colon cancer patients. The study found that genes involved in angiogenesis pathway play a critical role in tumor relapse.
Scientists at PNNL will receive $1.98 million to study enzymes that convert chemicals to energy, potentially leading to new, affordable materials for hydrogen fuel cells. The goal is to replace expensive platinum with abundant, inexpensive metals like iron and molybdenum.
Double cycling, a technique that loads and unloads ships simultaneously, has the potential to increase port efficiency by up to 20% and reduce crane trips by half. By loading and unloading containers at the same time, trucks can drop off one container while picking up another, reducing the need for additional truck trips.
Researchers at Iowa State University developed a coating technology that improves the heat resistance of turbine blades in jet engines. Rolls-Royce has acquired exclusive rights to commercialize the invention, which is expected to provide significant advantages over existing coatings.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a mechanism to prevent cardiac hypertrophy by increasing the levels of REST protein, halting the progression of the fatal heart condition. This finding offers a new approach to treating the cause of heart hypertrophy rather than its symptoms.
New research suggests folic acid supplementation does not decrease colorectal tumor risk and may actually increase it. The study found that participants receiving folic acid had higher rates of advanced adenomas and multiple adenomas compared to those in the placebo group.
The University of Arizona's HiRISE team has released over 1,200 Mars images to the Planetary Data System, making them available to the public through a user-friendly viewer tool. The images reveal hundreds of important discoveries about Mars, including crater impacts and dust avalanches.
A new imaging technique using Indocyanine Green (ICG) dye helps surgeons precisely remove cancerous tumors from the kidney while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. This innovation allows for more effective treatment and better patient outcomes.
Researchers found that a key hormone called fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) enables starving mice to alter their metabolism and induce a hibernation-like state, conserving energy. This discovery opens up new avenues for treating human obesity and metabolic disorders.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine awarded $3.79 million to the Burnham Institute for the development of a shared laboratory and expansion of its training courses in human embryonic stem cell research. This funding will support the Institute's partner institutes and researchers, including those at the San Diego Consorti...
A review of nine randomized trials shows that patients treated with cisplatin lived slightly longer than those treated with carboplatin, with a median survival of 9.1 months compared to 8.4 months. However, the difference in survival was not statistically significant for all patient groups.
A Humboldt penguin was found in Alaskan waters, and researchers believe it was brought there by being kept as a pet on a fishing boat. The penguins were probably kept by the crews of the vessels, which would have traveled far north from their native southern waters.
A multi-center team has discovered a 'signature' of proteins in the blood that predicts which non-small-cell lung cancer patients will live longer when treated with targeted therapies. The findings could help physicians decide which patients to treat with drugs known as EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Researchers found that fishermen's movement patterns are comparable to those of natural predators, such as albatross or seals. This convergence suggests that fishermen are not solely economic agents but part of the ecosystem, influencing fish stock management and requiring an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management.
The University of Georgia study reveals that violence incurs significant economic costs, with the majority falling on males aged 15 to 44. The research highlights the benefits of preventing interpersonal and self-inflicted violence through targeted interventions.
Using advanced computer simulations and X-ray data, researchers unraveled the complex interplay of proteins involved in outer membrane transport. The study revealed that TonB-dependent transporter (TBDT) is unable to withstand forces needed to pull the luminal domain away from the barrel.
A team of researchers has revealed a new mode of communication between plants and bacteria that can form nodules on stems, enabling higher nitrogen fixation. This discovery calls into question the traditional model of molecular communication in rhizobia-legume symbiosis.
A study published in The American Journal of Pathology found that a specific enzyme helps protect against tumor growth by enhancing the immune response. Mice with high levels of this enzyme in their macrophages were resistant to melanoma and lymphoma, demonstrating its potential as a new cancer therapy.
USC and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles will receive $6.4 million in Shared Research Laboratory Grants from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to build shared laboratory space for researchers. The grants will fund dedicated lab space, equipment, and training programs for stem cell research.
A prospective study found that aspirin use was associated with lower risk of cancer incidence and mortality, particularly among former and non-smokers. In contrast, integrin α7 gene mutations were identified in various cancers, including prostate and liver cancer, suggesting a potential role in cancer development.
Researchers discovered genes in a sea sponge that resemble those found in human synapses, suggesting the nervous system evolved earlier than previously thought. The study reveals that sponges have genetic components of synapses, indicating they may have interacted with each other similarly to humans and mice.
Researchers found a correlation between horn growth and genetic diversity in alpine ibex, with greater diversity associated with longer horn lengths. The study suggests that genetic quality becomes more apparent as the animal ages, supporting the mutation accumulation theory of ageing.
A $1.7 million grant will help improve and standardize hormone measurements, specifically testosterone, among laboratories nationwide. The project aims to better diagnose and manage hormone-related diseases like hypogonadism in men.
Cedars-Sinai researchers presented innovative insights into the pituitary gland's link to systemic illness, mental disorders, and aging. They also showcased advancements in subcellular mechanisms and treatment outcomes for patients with acromegaly, a growth hormone disorder.
Infection with hepatitis B causes between 500,000 and 1.2 million deaths worldwide each year, with around 22,000 cases in Europe. A universal childhood vaccination policy is recommended to protect children before they are at risk of infection.
The partnership aims to standardize carbon credit trading in the US, utilizing Argonne's GREET model. This collaboration may lead to increased credibility and growth in the green-energy market.
Experts are gathering at Michigan State University to identify the nation's research and training needs in fire and structural safety. The university is unveiling a new structural fire testing facility, which will enable researchers to test beams, columns, and slabs under extreme heat conditions.
A new study by the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has linked low testosterone levels to an increased risk of death in older men. The research followed nearly 800 men aged 50-91 for an average of 18 years and found that those with low testosterone had a 33% greater risk of death.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have discovered the crystal structure of curium under pressure, revealing new insights into magnetically stabilized crystals. The study uses electron energy-loss spectroscopy and density functional theory to understand the electronic and magnetic structure of Cm.
New research reveals hundreds of Antarctic Peninsula glaciers are flowing faster, with a 12% increase in speed from 1993 to 2003. Climate warming is melting lower glaciers, causing them to slide faster and further contributing to sea level rise.
Research from Group Health finds a link between low libido during menopause and disrupted sleep patterns. Women experiencing reduced sexual desire are also more likely to report poor sleep quality and depression symptoms.
A new study reveals that intensive forms of talk therapy, particularly transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), can reduce symptoms and improve social functioning in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). TFP was found to show improvement in ten out of twelve domains studied, including reduced suicidal behaviors and i...
Researchers study retinoic acid-induced craniofacial malformations in mouse embryos to uncover the underlying mechanisms. They observe that these defects can transform into jaw apparatus structures resembling those found in other species, suggesting a common regulatory signaling mechanism governing jaw development across evolution.
A new study shows that human infants are able to recognize abstract rules in language as early as seven months old, with a stronger drive to understand speech patterns. Infants can generalize learned rules from speech to non-linguistic stimuli, suggesting an innate ability to learn language.
Astronomers can now compete for coordinated observing time on both GLAST and NRAO radio telescopes to study celestial objects in multiple wavelengths. This collaboration enables the study of flares from blazars, a key area of research to understanding supermassive black holes.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that pay-for-performance programs in hospitals had limited impact on processes of care and outcomes for heart attack patients. The researchers analyzed data from over 105,000 patients treated at 54 participating hospitals and 446 control hospitals between 2003 and 2006.
Researchers have identified a new 'starvation hormone' that plays a critical role in the metabolic shift seen in animals on low-carb, high-fat diets. Increased levels of liver-derived FGF21 hormone are required for mice to switch gears and begin burning fat.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key mechanism behind the turn of events when high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets cause demonstrable changes in metabolism and subsequent weight loss. FGF21, a liver hormone, is required to oxidize fatty acids and burn calories.
Two research teams developed models to predict NSCLC patient outcomes based on protein patterns. The new models, validated in independent groups, could help physicians decide treatment options for patients with NSCLC. Researchers identified a 25-signature proteomic signature associated with increased survival among NSCLC patients.
Researchers found that the polysaccharide vaccine can reduce meningitis cases by up to 72% in subsequent epidemics, making it an ideal tool for preventive vaccination strategy. A more cost-effective conjugated vaccine is also being developed to improve access to vaccines in African countries.
Researchers found significant clues to the evolutionary origins of the nervous system by studying the genome of a sea sponge, a group considered ancient. The discovery pushes back the origins of genetic components to at or before the first animals.