The William J. von Liebig Center for Entrepreneurism and Technology Advancement has awarded $430,000 to nine research projects with potential for commercialization. These projects include thermoelectric devices, reconfigurable dynamic robots, protease detection systems, and online photo enhancement technology.
The completed Aedes aegypti genome sequence reveals over 1,000 transposable elements occupying approximately 50% of the genome. These elements may be developed as tools to study mosquito-virus interactions and potentially lead to controls on disease transmission.
Scientists at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona developed a new electro-chemical biosensor that detects pesticides and antibiotics in food with high sensitivity and portability. The sensor can detect levels of atrazine and sulphanilamides below maximum allowed concentrations, making it easier to control food safety.
A meta-analysis of 16 trials found LHRH agonists effective in reducing breast cancer recurrence by nearly 13% and death after recurrence by 15%. The treatment was only beneficial for premenopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer under 40.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have confirmed that chronic pain affects attention and memory in 67% of participants. Chronic pain can disrupt the maintenance of the memory trace required to hold information for processing.
Researchers have developed fully human antibodies that effectively control malaria in mice, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for the disease. The study's findings suggest that these novel reagents could be used as a test for therapeutic antibody efficacy and an important tool in malaria vaccine development.
Researchers are conducting a five-year Phase III clinical trial to examine the effectiveness of induced hypothermia as a therapy for brain swelling in children with traumatic brain injuries. The study aims to enroll 340 children and assess outcomes after one year, following cooling therapy.
Research by John Jost suggests situational and dispositional variables affect ideological leanings, leading to conservative vs. progressive leaders and opinions. Current political realities and data from the American National Election Studies support this finding.
A new technique called VORTRAC will provide a detailed 3D view of hurricane winds every six minutes, allowing forecasters to determine the storm's strength as it approaches land. This will enable rapid alerts for coastal communities if the hurricane suddenly intensifies or weakens.
Improved mental health support was offered to Bali bombing victims due to lessons learnt from the 2002 incident, with staff receiving vital personal support. The Royal Darwin Hospital's trauma planning sessions were successful in stabilizing patients before transfer, thanks to coordinated efforts between healthcare professionals.
Researchers have developed a computer program called Insignia to identify viruses and bacteria based on their unique DNA signatures. The program uses efficient algorithms to compare known genomes against background genomes, resulting in high accuracy detection of pathogens.
A study found that celecoxib can reduce the production of cells and molecules involved in building new blood vessels in premature infants, which may help prevent germinal matrix hemorrhages. Researchers believe this could lead to improved outcomes for babies born prematurely, reducing the risk of brain damage and related complications.
A Penn State study tracked youth's attitudes for most of the school age and adolescent years, finding varying patterns of change according to gender, birth order, and parent influences. Most youth became less traditional over time, but firstborn boys with brothers and traditional parents remained more traditional.
A Comment in The Lancet warns that the MTAS crisis could irreparably damage 10,000 junior doctors' careers and put patients at risk. The article highlights the chaos and disillusionment among medical professionals due to the flawed system.
A Carnegie Mellon study finds that people with better decision-making skills tend to have positive life outcomes, even after controlling for intelligence and socio-economic status. The researchers developed tasks to measure decision-making competence, which can be used to gauge real-life decision-making ability.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that lipoic acid restores glutathione levels and boosts antioxidant defenses to combat cellular decline associated with aging. The compound also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, relevant to degenerative diseases.
Researchers found no association between hair relaxer use and increased breast cancer incidence among African American women. The study, which followed over 59,000 women from 1997 to 2003, provides empirical evidence that hair relaxers are not carcinogenic to the breast.
A study found that high-quality early childhood care reduced depressive symptoms in young adults from low-income families. The intervention also moderated the negative effects of their home environments on mental health, highlighting the importance of investing in high-quality early childhood experiences for poor children.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. By blocking a key interaction between immune cells, they found that one type of cell is attacked and dies, suggesting a potential therapy for various immunological conditions.
Researchers have created mouse strains that enable them to trace the activity of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) enzyme in live animals. This breakthrough allows scientists to understand how AID regulates the immune response and its role in autoimmunity and B cell tumor development.
Researchers used adaptive optics to precisely locate and study the environments of two supermassive black holes at the center of a galaxy merger. The observations revealed young star clusters and rotating disks of stars surrounding each black hole.
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the University of Washington (UW) have been awarded multimillion-dollar contracts to support the development and operations of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). The OOI will establish a network of interactive, globally distributed sensors in the ocean, providing real-time data ...
A new study warns that massive sulphide deposits near hydrothermal vents could smother and contaminate rare organisms, potentially threatening the origins of life on Earth. The mining process could also raise nutrients in the ocean, causing algal blooms and disrupting food chains.
Scientists at Rockefeller University have identified a key player in the development of left-right asymmetry in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. A gene involved in gap junctions establishes communication between neurons on opposite sides, allowing them to coordinate their activity and create permanent differences. This discovery p...
A recent study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the relationship between birth weight and future heart disease risk is not as strong as previously thought. The research suggests that other risk factors, such as smoking and obesity, have a greater impact on heart health.
A study found children with both autism and ADHD are four times more likely to bully than their peers, highlighting the need for additional support services.
A quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing high-grade vulval and vaginal lesions that can lead to cancers. The vaccine reduced the risk of all high-grade vulval and vaginal lesions by 49% in a population of sexually active young women.
A new study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals that glucose enables the development of healthy beta cells, which secrete insulin. Understanding how to switch on genes crucial for beta cell development may enable the creation of insulin-producing cells from stem cells.
Research by Dr. Eileen White and colleagues suggests that autophagy can protect genome integrity during starvation, but its loss can accelerate tumor progression. The normal function of autophagy sustains cells while limiting genome damage.
A 47-year-old man with congestive heart failure underwent the historic surgery at UPMC, where a beating heart supported by the OCS was successfully transplanted. The patient is doing well after discharge on April 30.
A study found that adolescents who have friends with high-risk sexual attitudes are more likely to adopt similar behaviors, while those who believe sex has undesirable consequences choose new friends with similar attitudes. The effect of peer influence on adolescent behavior was stronger for females than males.
A new review in Science discusses the convergence of evolutionary, neurological, and social-psychological insights on morality's origins. Haidt identifies three key principles: intuitive primacy, moral thinking for social doing, and morality binds and builds.
FSU researchers Joseph Schlenoff and Thomas Keller receive a $1.07 million NIH grant to study ways to prevent restenosis by coating biomedical devices with thin films that discourage vascular smooth muscle cell adhesion. Their goal is to develop biocompatible coatings using neutrally charged polymers to 'camouflage' medical implants.
A study found that diabetic patients who continued long-term clopidogrel therapy had lower rates of heart attack and death compared to those who discontinued the medication, regardless of stent type. Long-term clopidogrel therapy was particularly beneficial in reducing mortality risk with bare metal stents.
A four-year study reveals that climate change has weakened one of Earth's natural carbon sinks, the Southern Ocean, leading to a release of stored CO2 and preventing further absorption. This 'feedback' will continue and intensify during this century, making stabilisation of atmospheric CO2 more difficult.
A recent study conducted by University of California - San Diego researchers found that using a Taser on healthy individuals does not cause lasting harm. The study monitored the physiological effects of a single Taser activation in human subjects and discovered no clinically significant or lasting changes.
Researchers from Boston University and Howard University Cancer Center found no association between hair relaxer use and increased breast cancer risk among 48,167 African-American women. The study's lead investigator notes that hair relaxers are not a cause of breast cancer, contradicting previous speculation.
The proposal aims to reduce adult smoking rates globally, with countries aiming for below 20% prevalence. Implementing comprehensive tobacco control programs has shown success in countries like Australia and New York.
A study of nearly 2,000 7-year-old twin pairs suggests a strong genetic connection between hyperactivity and poor academic performance. The researchers found that common genetic factors influence both behaviors, possibly due to genes affecting attention span and classroom learning.
A new study uses satellite imagery to detect location of seismic unrest at Mauna Loa, bringing closer understanding of where an eruption may occur. Researchers can now more precisely forecast locations of volcanic activity, providing critical information for populated areas.
A UVM study found ski resort development increases water volume, chloride, and sediment levels in watersheds. Researchers analyzed data from two side-by-side watersheds on Mount Mansfield, showing greater hydrologic effects from resort development than traditional resource extraction.
Research by University of Virginia psychologist James Coan explores how social contact regulates emotional responses to life's stressors. This study provides insights into the benefits of social connection for overall health and well-being.
Researchers analyzed data on blood donations and recipients in Sweden and Denmark over 34 years, finding no link between cancer risk and blood from precancerous donors. The study provides valuable insights into the safety of blood transfusions and highlights the need for further research on chronic diseases.
UC patients report a heavy psychological toll, with 82% experiencing increased stress and 62% feeling depressed. Nearly four out of five patients worry about long-term health effects, such as colon cancer or surgery. Non-compliance with medication is also a challenge, affecting up to half of patients.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a quantum dot infrared photodetector that operates at room temperature with improved performance. The device enables thermal imaging at higher temperatures than previous records, opening up new possibilities for applications in medical and biological imaging, environmental monitorin...
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered that environmental changes can trigger dormant capacities in cells, allowing them to suddenly change their behavior. This phenomenon is made possible by the dynamic nature of nucleosomes and their ability to carry chemical modifications that control DNA expression.
A study by Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) uses wireless technology to transmit ECGs from paramedics' smartphones to cardiologists, allowing for faster treatment of heart attacks. The system has cut the door-to-balloon time in half, improving patient care.
Researchers created a dynamic model to understand cellular signaling pathways in C. elegans, revealing gaps in current understanding and potential for future exploration of biological systems. The model can predict how cells respond to gene mutations and signals, saving laboratory time and resources.
Research suggests that TRPM8 is overexpressed in prostate cancer cells, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target. The study also found that endoplasmic reticulum TRPM8 retains functional activity regardless of cell differentiation status, which may contribute to cancer cell growth.
Researchers at UCLA have achieved a record-breaking 18 lumens per watt for red phosphorescent LEDs using a new combination of polymer-infused liquid, resulting in brighter, clearer pictures and slimmer profiles. The development aims to make future LED TVs cheaper while maintaining high image quality.
Researchers found that TRPM8 is expressed in mature, differentiated human prostate primary epithelial luminal cells, but also in prostate cancer cells. The study suggests that inhibiting ER-TRPM8 or PM-TRPM8 may be a potential therapeutic approach for treating prostate cancer. Additionally, the authors propose that blocking aggrecanase...
A randomized double-blind trial of airway bypass treatment is underway to explore a minimally-invasive procedure for millions of emphysema sufferers. The study focuses on reinforcing new pathways in the lung with drug-eluting stents to relieve severe emphysema symptoms.
A WHO-commissioned report highlights climate change's influence on health status, post-disaster responses in Indonesia, and improvements needed in housing programs. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health through community engagement and equitable urban development.
A study found that teaching parents mediation skills significantly improves their children's conflict-resolution skills. Parents who received training in mediation helped their kids resolve conflicts more positively, behaving more constructively and involving themselves more in the resolution process.
A study by University of Virginia researchers found that mice lacking the Nocturnin gene were resistant to weight gain on a high-fat diet and had normal liver fat levels. This discovery may lead to new treatments for inhibiting obesity and its effects on health.
A longitudinal study found that young people's gender attitudes develop in response to various factors, such as family composition, parental values, and sibling relationships. Most youth become less traditional over time, but certain groups, like first-born boys with brothers and traditional parents, exhibit more conservative attitudes.
Researchers at the University of Rochester developed custom-designed soft contact lenses to correct visual acuity in individuals with keratoconic eyes. The lenses feature irregular front surface profiles that address specific aberrations of the cornea and crystalline lens, resulting in improved vision for subjects.
Two UI studies show that the NSAID celecoxib has potent anticancer activity, killing head and neck cancer cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. This finding suggests that combining celecoxib with chemotherapies may provide better tumor control than radiation alone.
Researchers found no association between lycopene and prostate cancer prevention, contrary to previous studies. A diet rich in beta-carotene, another antioxidant, was linked to an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Astronomers have used adaptive optics technology to pinpoint two supermassive black holes in a colliding galaxy. The observations reveal the black holes reside at the center of rotating disks of stars and are surrounded by young star clusters.
Researchers have discovered that oceanic storms, known as eddies, pump nutrients up from the deep ocean to fuel massive blooms of microscopic plant life. These nutrient-rich waters support a vibrant ecosystem, attracting zooplankton and other animals higher up the food chain.
A recent study suggests that President Abraham Lincoln was suffering from a life-threatening form of smallpox when he delivered his Gettysburg Address. Researchers compared clinical features of Lincoln's illness to those of smallpox and found a close match, suggesting he had contracted variola major, the more severe form of the disease.
Researchers reconstruct tree-ring record of upper Colorado streamflows back seven centuries, revealing 25-year drought period with 15% below normal flow. The megadrought spanned 1118-1179, with 13 consecutive years of below-normal flows, and is comparable to the region's last 100 years of below-average flows.
Researchers analyzed 30 years of data to understand how initial processes shaped the virus's geographic spread, revealing key factors like mountain ranges and rivers affecting its expansion. The study provides insights into the epidemiology of rabies and other emerging zoonotic diseases.
UC scientists developed a model to combine current clot-busting medication with below-normal body temperatures to improve ischemic stroke patient treatment. The study found that tPA, an enzyme used in standard stroke treatment, is less effective at lower temperatures, but a higher dosage may be needed.
Researchers discovered the location and makeup of a pair of supermassive black holes in a galaxy collision, using adaptive optics to clear atmospheric distortion. The discovery sheds light on the coevolution of black holes and galaxies, with implications for understanding galaxy evolution and properties.