Researchers tracked microbial ecosystems in 14 healthy infants using DNA microarray technology, finding wide variation in gut flora composition and dynamics. The study reveals that Bifidobacteria are scarce in breast-fed babies until several months after birth, contradicting previous studies.
A new study found that early-morning Friday classes can significantly reduce excessive drinking on Thursday nights. The research suggests that requiring students to attend early classes, especially before 10 a.m., can help decrease binge drinking and heavy consumption of alcohol.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that mindfulness training enhanced performance and attention in subjects. Even new meditators saw improvements in just weeks, with benefits extending to executive functioning skills.
Researchers at the University of Washington have found a significant link between teenage violence and domestic violence in young adulthood. Adolescents who exhibit violent behavior over time are more likely to engage in domestic violence, with nearly twice as many women as men perpetrating abuse in the past year.
The Penn Udall Center will focus on dementia and Parkinson's disease, with objectives including developing a new rating scale for activities of daily living and studying the neural basis of cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease. The center aims to improve care and treatment for patients and train physicians.
MIT researchers have reversed symptoms of mental retardation and autism in mice with Fragile X Syndrome, a leading inherited cause of the conditions. The study identifies p21-activated kinase as a key enzyme that can be inhibited to reverse symptoms.
A study of primary care physician interactions found that self-disclosures were made about one-third of the time, but most were not useful to patients. Only three instances were coded as useful, providing education or support. In contrast, eight disclosures were considered disruptive, interrupting the patient-physician relationship.
Researchers at Penn University have successfully restored brain function to blind animals using gene therapy, showing promise for treating genetic retinal disease. The treatment, which involves introducing a working copy of the RPE65 gene into the retina, also revived responses in the visual cortex of the canine brain.
Research found that medical patients with an alcohol-use disorder are at a higher risk of requiring mechanical ventilation, and those who develop alcohol withdrawal need it for a longer period. The study's authors recommend screening all medical intensive-care patients for AUDs to identify potential complications.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that increasing omega-3 intake in mice reduced damaging vessel growth in the eye, a cause of retinopathy and blindness. Omega-3 supplementation is being tested in premature babies at risk for vision loss in a clinical trial.
Researchers found that increasing omega-3 fatty acids and decreasing omega-6 fatty acids in the diet can reduce retinopathy severity by suppressing inflammatory proteins. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may act as protective factors in diseases affecting retinal blood vessels.
Delft scientists observe topotecan's effect on DNA molecule loops, revealing mechanism of TopoIB protein in cell division. They use magnetic spheres and magnets to manipulate a single DNA molecule, allowing them to study the enzyme's action live.
A University of Utah study reveals that temperature differences within Earth's crust and upper mantle explain about half of North America's elevation. Coastal cities, including New York City and Boston, would be underwater if not for the buoyant effect of heat on rock, with elevations ranging from 1,427 to 3,756 feet below sea level.
Spanish researchers found that pigs fed large quantities of raw potato starch had a healthier bowel and decreased levels of white blood cells. The study, published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, suggests a potential beneficial effect on overall immune system health.
A study of 2,785 college students found that over half with significant anxiety or depression symptoms didn't seek help, despite available resources. Socioeconomic background was a key predictor of seeking help, with poor students being more prone to symptoms and less likely to seek treatment.
Researchers found that higher body fat in patients with type 1 diabetes may be associated with less severe coronary artery calcification, a sign of heart disease. The study, which analyzed data from 315 patients, suggested that weight gain may indicate better insulin therapy and lower mortality rates.
A new Alzheimer's treatment, CTS-21166, designed by a Purdue University researcher has begun human clinical trials. The experimental drug is a disease-modifying therapy that could prevent and reverse the disease by intercepting and disabling key enzymes.
Researchers have made progress in treating neuroblastoma, a difficult pediatric cancer, with new approaches such as radioactive isotopes and targeted therapies. However, further understanding of the disease's precise biology is needed to guide optimal treatment choices.
A novel gene therapy technique has been found safe and effective in reducing worsening symptoms of Parkinson's disease in advanced patients. The treatment, which involves injecting genes into one side of the brain to restore a critical neurotransmitter called GABA, showed a 27% improvement in symptoms among participants.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have identified a novel Ub conjugation reaction that allows for more efficient manipulation of key proteins in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. This discovery provides a basis for novel therapeutic approaches that are more specific than existing drugs like Bortezomib.
Two MSU professors, Volodymyr Tarabara and Tom Voice, are leading an international partnership to create new water purifying strategies using membrane-based technologies. The project aims to develop more efficient membranes that can produce ultrapure water, improving public health in developing countries.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a technique to synthesize iron-platinum nanorods and nanowires with controlled size, composition, and magnetic alignment. The method produces batches of similarly-sized nanowires or rods in solution, showing promise for high-density information storage and other applications.
The BBVA Foundation has awarded six Biomedicine Chairs to leading international specialists, facilitating collaboration between Spanish and international researchers on basic research in hepatic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The chairs also support clinical research in craneoencephalic trauma rehabilitation and the dev...
Researchers have developed multifunctional nanoparticles that target and image cancer cells by exploiting overexpression of folic acid receptors. These dendrimer-based systems can accumulate in diseased cells and retain bright fluorescence, allowing for easy visualization via confocal microscopy.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered how a single molecular switch triggers gene activity, affecting learning, memory and glucose production in the liver. The study shows that genes choose their co-factors, requiring a more complex view of CREB's function.
The BBVA Foundation is funding 12 research projects in Ecology and Conservation Biology, focusing on climate change's impact on shorebird populations and mercury pollution in biodiversity hotspots. The projects also include studies on noise pollution's effect on tropical birds and the conservation status of the monito del monte marsupial.
A study predicts that using Tamiflu prophylactically could reduce illness and death rates during an influenza pandemic by half, with a cost savings of $70,000 per 1,000 population. Prophylaxis with antivirals or vaccines is considered a crucial strategy in the early months of a pandemic.
The University of Georgia is partnering with Mexican universities to develop innovative technologies for generating biofuels from agricultural waste. This initiative aims to support rural economic development and environmental sustainability by providing training, internships, and exchanges between UGA and Mexican academics and profess...
Researchers have discovered a new compound called AN2690 that effectively treats fungal infections by blocking protein synthesis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibacterial compounds to combat antibiotic resistance.
A new study found that software enhancement of breast MRI scans reduces false positive identifications by 23 percent, improving the accuracy of radiologists. The software analyzes multiple imaging series to provide detailed data on lesion morphology and kinetic features.
The American Thoracic Society has published a new statement on pulmonary function testing in preschool children, addressing clinical, technical, and epidemiological implications. The guidelines focus on spirometry and other techniques to evaluate lung function in this age group.
A new study has identified proteins in the rod and cones of the eye that could lead to the discovery of the genetic causes of a host of inherited eye diseases. The researchers hope to gain a clearer understanding of what goes wrong at the most basic level in these diseases that cause blindness and other disorders.
Researchers warn of vulnerability to satellite attacks due to low technical barriers, threatening global positioning systems, weather satellites, and more. With a college-level team and intermediate-range missiles, amateurish yet effective attacks can be launched.
A new vaccine has been developed to prevent hCMV infection and disease in mice, showing promise for human use. The vaccine generates an immune response that protects against both infection and disease by disarming the virus's ability to replicate.
The International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) has awarded short- and mid-term technical assistance grants to public health institutes in five nations. The grants aim to support the development of national public health institutes and improve service delivery and decision-making globally.
Researchers established a credible scientific method for testing and measuring xanthones in whole mangosteen fruit, which shows high xanthone absorption when using the entire fruit as a delivery vehicle. This study ensures consistent and reliable marketing of mangosteen products to consumers relative to claims of xanthone content.
Nicholas Tan Xue-Wei, an 18-year-old Singaporean student, will present his research paper on stem cells at two international conferences in the US and UK. He was nominated for a Best Paper Award at WCE 2007 for his work on growing Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a serum-free medium.
A new gene therapy clinical trial has reported promising results in improving motor function for patients with Parkinson's disease. The study found significant improvements in both the off-state and on-medication phases, with some patients showing impressive gains of up to 65 percent.
Researchers at K-State are examining how nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs damage the gastrointestinal tract. They found that in addition to blocking COX, NSAIDs also affect calpains, important enzymes required for cell maintenance.
Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are working on a way to determine whether marijuana was grown indoors or outdoors by analyzing the stable isotopes of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen. The method has potential to help police track down growing operations and match seized samples with known locations.
amfAR is funding research projects to better understand the social and biological factors that influence HIV treatment. Studies will explore the potential benefits of maraviroc, a new antiretroviral drug, and examine how stigma affects healthcare quality for people with HIV.
A study published in The Lancet found that gene therapy can safely alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease, with significant improvements seen in movement and motor scores. The treatment involves injecting genetic information directly into brain cells, eliminating the need for indwelling hardware associated with deep-brain stimulation.
Researchers compared genes involved in insects' immunity and their ability to spread disease, gaining insights into halting the transmission of diseases like malaria. By analyzing gene sequences with computers, scientists identified key genes to study, paving the way for new experimental research.
Researchers have made promising breakthroughs in understanding how antibodies can reduce the main hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, including memory loss and ability to learn. The study suggests that antibodies could be used to prevent protein clusters from forming, which is believed to kill nerve cells.
Researchers discovered Alaska's ancient wolves were distinct from modern wolves, with robust bodies and massive canine teeth. The study suggests these specialized hunters and scavengers thrived in ancient Alaska, but their extinction portends potential demise of similar predators due to global warming.
Scientists have identified a gene mutation causing one form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder, a common inherited neurological disease. The discovery enables a genetic test for people with this subtype, which was previously unidentified and lacked an unknown genetic basis.
Researchers will inject selected stem cells from patients' own bone marrow into their hearts during coronary bypass surgery. The goal is to prevent late scar formation and improve heart contraction, reducing the risk of congestive heart failure.
UC Irvine scientists use mathematical theory to understand how cancer cells alter their genetic makeup, accelerating tumor growth. The study found that tumors thrive when unstable in early stages and become stable later on, providing insight into future cancer treatments.
Researchers found that a nutritionally balanced diet high in omega-3 fatty acid reduced prostate tumor growth and increased survival in genetically predisposed mice. Omega-6 fatty acids had the opposite effects. The study suggests a beneficial effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on delaying human prostate cancer.
The University of Missouri-Columbia has been awarded a $750,000 grant to develop innovative mapping tools and concepts for teaching fundamental concepts of human health, biology, and medical sciences. The program, Maps in Medicine, aims to strengthen interest in science among at-risk high school students and enrich teacher training.
A team of scientists led by Sébastien Merkel found that post-perovskite, a high-pressure silicate mineral, doesn't fit what is known about the mysterious layer D
Research suggests that higher doses of vitamin A do not improve health outcomes for mothers and children in areas with moderate deficiency. Lower doses, as recommended by the WHO, may be sufficient to prevent mortality. The findings urge caution against increasing standard dosing schedules without further investigation.
Random Technologies launched its RPro Statistic Software, providing enterprise-level support for the widely-used open source system R, which is well-suited for biomedical research and data-intensive fields. The company aims to standardize the process of releasing new features and provide professional technology support.
A multidisciplinary research team, including experts from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, will conduct the first search for life on the seafloor of the world's most isolated ocean. The team uses three new autonomous underwater vehicles to sniff out chemical and temperature signals of hot fluids venting out of the ocean floor.
A study by Yoshi Iwasaki explores the role of enjoyable and expressive activities in promoting quality of life across cultures. The findings suggest that culturally-based leisure-like pursuits can enhance well-being, self-esteem, and resilience, particularly in less-privileged populations.
Recent evidence shows ovarian cancer is preceded by symptoms like gastrointestinal or urinary issues in three to four months before diagnosis. Patient groups urge women to seek medical attention for new and persistent symptoms, while experts acknowledge the need for clinical judgement and more research funding.
A RAND Corporation study found that improved access to federal and employer-provided time off improves parents' ability to care for their chronically ill children. The study revealed that many parents struggle to balance work and caregiving responsibilities due to inadequate leave policies.
The NIST/NCSU team observed the spontaneous assembly of organosilane molecules into a monolayer film, finding wavelike ordering with an expanded interface. The findings support recent theoretical modeling and have implications for understanding self-propagating chemical reactions and ordering phenomena.
A large-scale study found that high levels of urate in the blood are strongly associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. Urate, a normal component of blood, may have beneficial effects due to its antioxidant properties.
Researchers found that cigarette smoke impairs the recruitment of cells to injured ligaments, delaying healing. Smoking cessation before surgery may help reverse these delays, suggesting another reason for quitting.