A study at Harvard University found that sexual dimorphism in Caribbean lizards increases their ecological niche, allowing species to thrive by avoiding resource competition. The research suggests sex differences may have fueled the evolution of diverse fauna, highlighting the importance of considering both sexes.
Research reveals that rare genetic variants in fruit flies can provide a survival advantage, with individuals with unique traits being less conspicuous to predators. The study's findings offer insights into why genetic variation persists in nature and may have implications for understanding human food-related disorders.
Researchers have discovered critical regions within prions that determine much of their behavior, providing a new framework for exploring prion biology. These regions, known as recognition elements, can be activated by environmental conditions and amino acid sequence alterations.
Researchers found that FDG-PET imaging can identify patients who respond to chemotherapy, allowing for early termination of futile treatment. This improves patient care by providing an alternative approach, such as stopping chemotherapy or switching to a more adequate therapeutic option.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia are studying the effects of silver nanoparticles on wastewater treatment systems. The study aims to determine how these particles interact with bacteria used for water purification and assess their potential environmental impact.
Researchers at the University of Manchester used a laser scanning system to create a detailed 3D model of dinosaur tracks in Spain. The portable RIEGL LMS Z420i scanner allowed for rapid and high-resolution mapping of the fragile site, preserving important information on dinosaur locomotion.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that Swedish snus is associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, despite being less harmful than smoking. However, switching from cigarettes to snus can potentially lead to significant health benefits for smokers.
St. Jude researchers used a new technique to monitor the movement of DNA repair proteins as they interacted with each other and gathered at the site of damage. The study found that disruption of these proteins can cause mutations, cell death, or cancer, providing critical insights into DNA repair mechanisms.
Researchers have identified a specific class of small peptide elicitors that help plants react to insect attack, triggering defensive chemistry and improving protection against pests. The discovery opens the door for genetic manipulation of plants with improved defense mechanisms.
Scientists on NASA's Mars Exploration Rover mission found evidence of long-past explosive volcanic activity at Home Plate, a plateau in Gusev Crater. The data collected by the rover supports earlier findings that water once existed at or beneath the planet's surface.
The opossum genome sequence has provided significant insights into the evolution of the mammalian immune system, revealing similarities with human immune-related genes. The sequence also revealed ancient DNA elements that have been recruited for specific biological activities, such as regulating gene expression.
A study found that parents typically focus on negative aspects of sex, while peers promote positive messages. Parents are strongest supporters of abstinence and provide information on pregnancy and fertilization, but fail to discuss other topics. Peers encourage non-relational sex and promote sexual freedom, while the media reinforces ...
The first marsupial genome sequence has been published, providing new insights into human evolution and the origins of the human genome. The study found that most genetic innovations leading to the human genome sequence lie in areas referred to as 'junk' DNA, highlighting the importance of non-gene regions in shaping mammalian genomes.
A new NASA study suggests that greenhouse-gas warming may raise average summer temperatures in the eastern United States nearly 10 degrees Fahrenheit by the 2080s. This could lead to extremely hot summertime temperatures, especially during summers with less-than-average frequent rainfall.
A study published in the Journal of Physiology found that adding marine omega-3 fatty acids to a steer's diet increased sensitivity to insulin, improving protein metabolism. This could lead to alternative methods for increasing muscle mass in animal farming.
Sholl's research uses metal hydrides like alanates and borohydrides to create lightweight, low-cost storage materials. This could improve the efficiency of hydrogen cars and reduce pollution.
A recent study has found that children with amblyopia, also known as 'lazy eye,' exhibit poorer fine motor skills and lower perception of social acceptance. The research, led by Ann Louise Webber, used standardized tests to measure the children's motor skills and self-esteem. The results indicate that treating a child's eye condition m...
Researchers from the US, Norway, and Russia have identified the origin of 1/f noise in semiconductor electronics, which could lead to more sensitive sensors and detectors. The study found that the noise arises from the random distribution of impurities and electron interactions in a state called Coulomb glass.
The University of Central Florida professor has made a groundbreaking discovery that the hottest known extrasolar planet, HD 149026b, is approaching temperatures of 3,700 degrees. This unprecedented finding indicates that the planet's surface must be incredibly black to absorb all the starlight it receives.
Researchers found that oral HPV infection is the strongest risk factor for throat cancers in both men and women. Consistent condom use may reduce risk, while tobacco and alcohol use do not increase the risk of HPV-linked cancer.
A report by European Society for Medical Oncology reveals stark inequalities in access to cancer treatment globally. Key findings include that Austria, France, and the US have high uptake of new cancer drugs, while countries like New Zealand, Poland, and South Africa have low uptake.
A recent study by Frederick H. Davidorf, MD, found that uveal melanoma patients and their families are at higher risk for developing colon cancer. The study involved 130 patients who provided their extended family medical histories, revealing a significant number of patients and relatives with an increased risk for colon cancer.
The gray, short-tailed opossum's genome reveals insights into connections between humans and other species, as well as the evolution of mobile elements. Mobile elements make up about 52% of the opossum genome, with distinct compositional differences compared to primate genomes.
A recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that two-thirds of people using herbs do so without following scientific guidelines. The study, which analyzed data from a 2002 National Health Interview Survey, highlights concerns about the potential adverse effects and interactions of herbal supplements with therapeutic drugs.
Researchers at Temple University have developed a new biosensor that uses mammalian olfactory signaling machinery to detect explosives. The biosensor can also potentially be used to screen experimental medications, a crucial step in the development of new drugs.
Ronald Cape will receive the 2007 Biotechnology Heritage Award for his contributions to the growth of biotechnology. He was a pioneer in genetic engineering and helped launch the creation of the entire biotech industry.
Scientists at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and Buck Institute created an algorithm that identifies critical protein elements solely based on their shape. This breakthrough enables more efficient development of effective treatments and diagnostic tests for various diseases.
Rates of child abuse and neglect in military families in Texas doubled since October 2002, according to a UNC study. The increase was linked to the stress of deployment on military personnel and their families.
A study found that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection increases the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma by 20-30% and Waldenström macroglobulinemia by nearly three-fold. HCV is also linked to an increased risk of nonmalignant plasma cell disorders.
A new drug that targets the body's immune cells has shown promise in treating malignant brain tumors by re-engaging the cancer-damaged immune system. The researchers found that the drug stops 'bad' T cells from damaging the immune system and gives 'good' T cells a type of bulletproof jacket, enabling them to better fight off brain tumors.
A University at Buffalo study finds that IL-17, a primary cause of bone destruction in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, protects bones from infectious pathogens in the oral cavity. Researchers discovered that blocking IL-17's receptor increases susceptibility to periodontal disease.
A study by University of Illinois researchers explores the molecular mechanisms behind queen bee longevity, revealing that vitellogenin plays a vital role in maintaining reproductive viability and longevity. The findings suggest that the queen's unique biology allows her to devote energy to reproduction while extending her lifespan.
A study published in Journal of Biogeography reveals that Caribbean bat species have reversed colonized the continent from which they originated, defying conventional wisdom. This finding highlights the dynamic relationship between islands and the Americas, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts in the West Indies.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a test that assesses implicit attitudes towards self-injury, improving the prediction of self-injurious behavior. The study found that individuals with a history of non-suicidal self-injury were more likely to associate self with cutting in an implicit association test.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care identified protein Ack1 as a trigger for advanced prostate cancer recurrence in men undergoing hormone treatment. This finding may lead to the development of targeted therapies against this protein.
People infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at an increased risk of developing certain lymphomas, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. The risk was found to be 20-30% higher for HCV-infected patients compared to uninfected patients.
Two studies reveal that off-label and untested use of drug-coated stents is common in US practice, associated with higher ischemic complication rates and worse short-term outcomes. The studies found that approximately half of all use of drug-eluting stents occurs in off-label or untested settings.
Researchers discovered two closely related receptors that control energy production and function in the heart. The findings suggest that drugs targeting these receptors may offer a novel approach to managing diseases of the heart muscle, potentially preventing heart failure.
A recent study identified a gene mutation that contributes to human cognition, which is exclusive to humans. The mutation affects the splicing pattern of the neuropsin gene, creating a longer protein involved in learning and memory.
Researchers discovered that plant-derived chemical harmine fights diabetes in mice without some of the side effects attributed to other antidiabetes drugs. Harmine increases insulin sensitivity by blocking a pathway that normally inhibits fat cells' production, providing a new approach for treating insulin resistance.
Daniel Gilbert, a leading expert on affective forecasting, will discuss his research on how people make judgments about their future happiness. His lecture aims to answer the question of why we often mispredict what will make us happy in the future.
The APS 19th Annual Convention examines how scientific investigations can lead to stigmatization of certain populations. Panelists discuss historical examples of 'stigma from science' in studies of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and culture.
Phoenix will use a robotic digging arm to determine if the Martian soil environment was favorable for microbial life. The lander is equipped with instruments that suggest frozen water exists within arm's reach of the surface.
A University of Kentucky study finds that doses higher than a baby aspirin may not prevent cardiovascular events and increase bleeding risk. The research suggests that using the minimum effective dose of 75-81 mg may be optimal for most patients.
A study by USF researchers debunks the theory that older women can generate new eggs, challenging a controversial finding made by Harvard scientist Jonathan Tilly. The researchers found no evidence of egg stem cells in ovarian cells biopsied from 12 women between 28 and 53 years old.
Experts argue that researchers should focus broadly on influenza viruses, improving knowledge of basic biological means, enhancing surveillance, and developing new antivirals and diagnostics. This approach can also help combat seasonal influenza, a major public health concern in the US.
A genome-wide study reveals that variations in multiple genes contribute to the development of bipolar disorder. The researchers identified a promising target gene DGKH, which produces an enzyme involved in lithium's therapeutic effects. This discovery may lead to the development of new and more effective medications for bipolar disorder.
Research on targeted interventions suggests meaningful change is possible in key aspects of personality. Carol Dweck's keynote address presents an array of studies on the mechanisms underlying change and proposes a view of personality that encompasses these shifts.
Researchers from University of Cincinnati have found a connection between flexibility and ion motion in solid electrolytes. The team, led by Punit Boolchand, synthesized materials that exhibit three elastic domains and demonstrated increased electrical conductivity in the flexible phase.
The Indo-US Vaccine Action Program has been renewed for another five-year period, supporting research on vaccines and immunology. Many successful collaborations have addressed critical health problems, including the development of a new hepatitis C diagnostic test and candidate vaccine against rotavirus.
Researchers at McGill University have identified two closely related nuclear receptors, ERRa and g, that play a key role in coordinating the expression of genes guiding the heart's complex energy pathways. These findings may suggest novel approaches to managing diseases affecting the heart's pumping power.
A randomized trial found that angioplasty significantly reduced long-term cardiac events compared to intensive drug therapy among heart attack survivors with silent ischemia. The study followed 201 patients for an average of 10.2 years, revealing a persistent benefit of PCI.
A recent study by University of Illinois researchers has revealed extensive atomic and molecular spectral emission not previously seen in a mechanoluminescence event. The findings also include the first report of gas phase chemical reactions resulting from a mechanoluminescence event.
Brandeis University researchers have identified CaMKII as a key molecule in memory storage, allowing them to induce and biochemically erase memory in rat hippocampus slices. This discovery holds promise for treating Alzheimer's and epilepsy by weakening overly strengthened synapses.
A recent study found that visually impaired individuals in Australia experience significant economic burdens due to the need for special equipment and personal care services. The study revealed median expenditures exceeding $12 million over 12 months, highlighting the importance of addressing these costs.
Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, researchers found no association between 100% juice intake and overweight risk in children. In fact, juice consumers had healthier diets, lower saturated fat and sodium intake, and higher intakes of essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
Researchers will investigate the mechanisms of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a debilitating airway disease affecting millions worldwide. They aim to identify specific fungal antigens contributing to the pathology and develop novel treatments.
In a study of fiddler crabs, researchers found that females prefer males with hood-like sand castles as these signals help them avoid predators while sequentially visiting and assessing potential mates. This new understanding highlights how the ecology of choosing a mate can shape sexual communication.
The study demonstrates that MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an effective option for treating uterine fibroids, offering rapid and sustained relief from symptoms. The treatment has a reduced need for alternative, invasive treatments in the future.
Researchers at UIC College of Pharmacy have developed a hydrogel-based delivery system to control chemotherapy drug release for glioblastoma multiforme and other solid tumors, reducing side effects. The innovative approach aims to improve survival rates for brain tumor patients.