A team of scientists has identified over 350 immune system genes in the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits deadly diseases like yellow fever and dengue. Understanding these genes' role in virus transmission could lead to new ways of combating these diseases by enhancing the mosquito's immune response.
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids found to reduce prostate tumor growth and increase survival in genetically predisposed mice. Omega-6 fatty acids had the opposite effects, highlighting a beneficial interaction between genes and diet.
A Phase 1 study using an adeno-associated virus vector to deliver an inhibitory gene to the subthalamic nucleus demonstrated a lack of adverse events and statistically significant improvements in clinical symptoms and brain metabolism. The treated side showed notable improvement, with sustained benefits observed over 12 months.
Scientists have developed a breakthrough understanding of how individual water molecules come together to form ice crystals. This research provides unprecedented resolution and sheds light on the process of heterogeneous nucleation, essential for climate change models and cloud formation.
Researchers found that verbalizing emotions reduces brain activity in the amygdala, a region associated with emotional responses. This decrease in activity is linked to increased activity in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, which processes emotions and inhibits behavior.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered two potential points of vulnerability in the XIAP protein, a key player in cancer cell survival. Targeting these activities could lead to tumor cell death and reduced tumors.
The James Webb Space Telescope model is on display in Dublin, Ireland, providing a glimpse into the successor to the Hubble Telescope. The model was built by Northrop Grumman and weighs over 12,000 lbs., featuring a sunshield that 'breathes' thanks to a special material imported from France.
Research suggests that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may improve prognosis for men genetically prone to develop prostate cancer. The study found that mice with a genetic defect causing prostate cancer had reduced tumor growth, slowed disease progression and increased survival when fed a high-omega-3 diet.
Two new vaccines have been designed to combat cocaine and methamphetamine dependencies, stimulating the body to produce antibodies that attack the drugs. These therapeutic vaccines minimize withdrawal symptoms and relieve addiction, but do not necessarily curb relapse.
A new study reveals that Antarctic icebergs are hotspots of ocean life, supporting thriving communities of seabirds above and a web of phytoplankton, krill, and fish below. The researchers found that the icebergs produce a halo effect with increased phytoplankton, krill, and seabirds out to a radius of more than two miles around them.
A new study found that blind people have superior serial memory skills, particularly in remembering items in the correct order. This advantage is thought to result from the constant use of serial-memory strategies in everyday life. Researchers plan to further investigate the underlying mental processes responsible for this phenomenon.
Researchers found that a unique, highly carnivorous Alaskan wolf species vanished after the end of the last Ice Age. The study revealed a distinct genetic profile and diet, which suggests these wolves were specialized for large prey and possibly scavenging.
Experts recommend mass distribution of LLINs to control malaria, citing two protective effects: direct user protection and community-wide prevention. Low coverage and social marketing restrictions hinder efforts, leading to criticism from Sachs and colleagues.
The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) received three honors at the 2007 Hermes Creative Awards, including a Platinum Award for its MicrobeWorld Radio audio and video podcasts. Its blog, Small Things Considered, won a Gold Award, while its website earned an Honorable Mention.
Scientists have discovered a potential new treatment for Parkinson's disease by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called SIRT2. Blocking this pathway is believed to protect neurons damaged in Parkinson's from the toxic effects of alpha-synuclein, a protein that accumulates in the brains of patients.
A new study suggests that women who suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy may be less likely to develop breast cancer later in life. The study found a 30% lower risk of breast cancer among women with nausea and vomiting compared to those without, suggesting potential protective effects against cancer cells.
NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed agreements to cooperate on the James Webb Space Telescope and the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Pathfinder mission. The JWST will investigate galaxy, star, and planetary system origins, operating in space at L2 with a 21.3-foot primary mirror.
Researchers discuss future directions in neuroblastoma treatment, including new approaches for high-risk patients and the development of an international classification system. Current regimens and prognosis are also analyzed, highlighting the need for improved understanding of genomic alterations to guide therapy.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center studied an ancient retrovirus, PtERV1, which infected nonhuman primates 4 million years ago. They found that humans have innate immunity to this virus, but this resistance may have made them more susceptible to HIV infection.
A recent study suggests that northern forests absorb less carbon than previously thought, with intact tropical forests taking up a larger proportion of the atmosphere's carbon dioxide, partially offsetting industrial emissions and deforestation.
A four-year study investigates how dietary iron is used by cells, addressing endemic iron deficiency affecting 80% of the world's population. The researchers aim to understand cellular iron metabolism, a key process impacted in various human diseases.
Researchers at UW-Madison create a two-stage process to turn biomass-derived sugar into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), a liquid fuel with improved energy density and reduced environmental impact. The new fuel address limitations of current renewable liquids like ethanol.
A follow-up study shows that estrogen use is associated with lower levels of calcified plaque in coronary arteries, a potential indicator of heart disease. However, other health risks, such as increased risk of blood clots and stroke, must still be considered before starting estrogen therapy.
The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program's Arctic Coring Expedition reveals the Arctic Ocean changed from a 'lake stage' to a fully oxygenated ocean at 17.5 million years ago due to the Fram Strait's evolution into a wider passageway, allowing saline North Atlantic water in.
A new 3D ultrasound scanner developed by Duke University researchers enables better brain tumor detection and minimally invasive surgery guidance. The device, inserted through a small hole in the skull, produces high-quality images of brain structures, overcoming limitations of traditional MRI and CT scans.
Researchers discovered that African electric fish engage in 'electric duets' during aquatic courtship, using specific signals and motor displays. The study provides insight into the electrical and behavioral patterns of mating in these fish.
A study by researchers at Duke University Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University found that 60% of infertile couples would be likely to donate unused embryos for stem cell research. The number of available embryos could be 10 times higher than previous estimates, resulting in a potential 100-fold increase in stem cell lines.
A University of Alberta study found that rural Albertans' strong work ethic and sense of place can influence their decision not to seek medical help for congestive heart failure. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, with patients often waiting days or even weeks for symptoms to subside.
Researchers at Yokohama National University demonstrate a highly efficient room-temperature nanolaser that produces stable, continuous streams of near-infrared laser light. The device uses a photonic crystal design to achieve its high efficiency, enabling applications in future miniaturized circuits.
The DOE JGI has released Version 2.2 of the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) system, offering 2,815 genomes for public access. The new system includes enhanced data exploration and analysis tools, allowing scientists to better study microbial communities.
Researchers at Université Laval have successfully developed a highly reflective liquid mirror capable of functioning under harsh lunar conditions. The discovery, published in Nature, brings the project one step closer to building a liquid telescope on the moon, which could be up to 1,000 times more sensitive than current space telescopes.
A substudy of the Women's Health Initiative found that younger postmenopausal women on estrogen-alone hormone therapy had 30-40% less coronary artery calcium than those without hormone therapy. However, the benefits of estrogen for preventing cardiovascular disease are uncertain and should not be used as a preventive measure.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that more women than men experience a mid-life stroke between the ages of 45-54. The researchers identified increased waist size and coronary artery disease as predictors of stroke among women in this age group, with no sex differences observed in other age groups.
Physicists Tanmay Vachaspati, Dejan Stojkovic, and Lawrence M. Krauss propose a solution to the long-standing problem of information loss in black holes. They suggest that non-thermal radiation can carry information about collapsing matter beyond the event horizon.
The recent WHI-CACS study confirms estrogen therapy is cardioprotective, reducing atherosclerosis and coronary events. Early initiation of hormone therapy may even reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
A Cornell University research project has found that on-farm trials have shown farmers can successfully reduce fertilizer applications without impacting yield and quality. By monitoring soil nitrogen levels, corn growers can optimize their application rates, resulting in cost savings of up to $10-$12 per acre.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that children's social skills at age three can predict their future academic performance. Positive interactions with peers and parental involvement are key factors in enhancing social skills, leading to better learning outcomes.
New data from the Women's Health Initiative study show that women aged 50-59 taking oral estrogen therapy have significantly less coronary artery calcification compared to those taking placebo. This finding supports the initiation of estrogen therapy in these younger menopausal women to reduce bone loss and alleviate symptoms.
Researchers discovered a neural computer in the cerebellum that calculates inertial motion by combining rotational and gravity signals. The brain uses this information to determine its movement through space, even when head acceleration is present.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that entecavir should not be used alone in patients co-infected with HIV, as it can lead to cross-resistance and compromise treatment for the AIDS virus. The study's findings have prompted changes to the drug's labeling and guidelines from governmental agencies.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that the Golgi apparatus is a novel source of microtubules in cells, which are crucial for cell movement and division. This finding could lead to new insights into cancer cell invasion and treatment strategies.
Cornell researchers partner with Gene Network Sciences to create computer models of Dehalococcoides ethenogenes, a key player in cleaning toxic waste. The team aims to improve conditions for the bacteria, which sometimes struggle at cleanup sites.
Researchers used magnetic eruptions from the sun to detect a molten rock layer roughly 10 miles thick beneath the American Southwest, challenging existing theories about the Earth's mantle. The discovery provides insights into the formation of rocks and minerals at extreme pressures, paving the way for further studies.
A new assessment framework, STAMP, can help healthcare professionals and others identify early warning signs of potential violence. The framework is based on observable behavior such as staring, lack of eye contact, tone and volume of voice, anxiety, mumbling, and pacing.
A retrospective study found that trabectedin response rates were significantly higher than previous studies, with an overall response rate of 51% and a progression-free survival rate of 88%. This suggests that myxoid sarcoma may be a uniquely sensitive subgroup to trabectedin treatment.
Scientists create a new adenovirus that selectively targets cancer cells with high dNTP concentrations, potentially delivering genetic materials to destroy malignant cells. The approach has shown promise in testing mice and human pancreatic cancer cells.
Two autism-related proteins, neuroligin-1 and neuroligin-2, have been found to control the strength and balance of nerve-cell connections. The proteins increase or inhibit cell activity depending on firing frequency, impacting brain development in children.
A specific resonance pattern in the brain's auditory processing region is crucial for distinguishing speech, according to researchers. The inherent rhythm of neural activity in the theta band reacts to spoken sentences by changing its phase and samples segments about a syllable's length.
Researchers at Rutgers and Penn are developing advanced imaging techniques to increase the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnoses. These methods use powerful MRI and computer-aided diagnosis tools to reveal previously hidden cancerous tissue and pinpoint concentrations of suspicious tissue.
A recent study found that treating hepatitis B patients with the drug entecavir can cause those co-infected with HIV to become resistant to two key anti-HIV drugs. Researchers identified a mutant strain of HIV that developed in one patient, rendering it resistant to lamivudine and emtricitabine.
The American Society of Nephrology reviews disaster response plans to ensure dialysis services are protected for patients with end-stage renal failure. The Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition outlines recommendations for establishing a timeline to safety and creating individualized disaster plans.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have found a new way to increase stem cells in blood, suggesting a possible treatment to help patients recover their immune function more quickly. The discovery uses a small-molecule drug that enhances the blood-forming system.
Researchers found that pleiotrophin expression activates stromal cells to remodel the tumor microenvironment, inducing tumor angiogenesis and aggressive breast cancers. PTN secretion from human breast cancer cells may be sufficient to shift progression to a more aggressive form of breast cancer.
A study of Baltimore's surface soils found a mosaic of soil types, with high chemical variability and differences in potassium, phosphorus levels, and bulk density due to fertilization and trampling. The researchers discovered no relationships between land use and heavy metal levels, instead finding correlations with surface rock types.
A trend analysis from the UN Environment Programme reports a surge in investment in renewable energy, with wind, solar, and biofuels attracting the greatest investment dollars. The sector's growth is driven by global concerns such as climate change, increasing energy demand, and energy security.
A survey of over 1,000 infertility patients found 60% willing to donate their frozen embryos for stem cell research. This could lead to 2000-3000 new stem cell lines, exceeding initial estimates.
A research team at Virginia Commonwealth University has identified a new biological function for buckyballs, discovering they can block allergic responses in human cell culture experiments. The buckyballs inhibit a basic process in cells that leads to the release of an allergic mediator, preventing mast cells from releasing histamine.
A study by Dr. Joel Berger found that prey animals like moose and elk only fear predators they regularly encounter. The research demonstrated that the loss of wolves led to a decrease in vigilance and fear responses in these species.
A new study by John R. Talbott finds that the number of infected prostitutes in a country is key to understanding the global spread of AIDS. The study suggests that prostitute communities can act as an engine driving infection rates to unusually high levels in the general population.
Researchers found a link between obesity and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), a thickening of the heart muscle, in obese patients with a BMI of 30 or greater. The study analyzed 17,261 heart ultrasounds and identified narrowing of the aortic valve as a strong predictor of LVH.