Scientists have developed a new class of designer materials using common amino acids, which exhibit excellent potential for solubilizing membrane proteins and enzymes. These lipid-like peptides can also stabilize self-assembled liquid crystalline nanostructures with varying surface charge density.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that brain activity patterns differ between two types of anxiety: anxious apprehension (verbal rumination, worry) and anxious arousal (intense fear, panic). The study used fMRI to identify distinct brain regions active in each type of anxiety.
Healthcare systems are increasingly relying on mobile communication technology to improve care, but little guidance exists on its safe use. The UK and US are leading the way in applying this technology, but existing guidance is limited in scope and often fails to address key concerns.
Researchers have found a link between low HDL cholesterol and heart disease, suggesting that defective ABCA1 protein may play a role. Additionally, studies have shown that type 2 diabetes patients accumulate high levels of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein in the blood, which can contribute to heart disease.
A Mayo Clinic research team has developed a simple tool to enhance medication adherence in diabetes patients, with 84% of users showing improved compliance. The decision aid sparks conversation between doctors and patients about medication risks and benefits, leading to better-informed decisions.
CMEs can produce radiation storms, but detecting them through radio signals may provide warning to astronauts and satellite operators. Strong CME shocks accelerate particles in the solar wind, producing both radio signals and radiation storms.
A meta-analysis of 25 studies found that regular exercise increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels by an average of 2.53 milligrams per deciliter, corresponding to a 5-7% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers in New Zealand have discovered cows with genes to produce skimmed milk, planning to breed herds for commercial production. The milk is low in saturated fats and high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, making it a healthier alternative.
A new University of Leicester study reveals that low levels of physical activity among inner city school children have reached epidemic proportions. Over 3500 pupils from five secondary schools were surveyed, with half spending over 4 hours daily watching TV or playing computer games.
Astronomers used Spitzer to study the Coma cluster, finding almost 30,000 objects, including 1,200 previously unknown dwarf galaxies. The discovery implies a total population of at least 4,000 dwarf galaxies in the cluster.
A replication study found that financial resources, health, and meaning in life positively influence quality of life. Emotional support, companionship, and intimacy also play a significant role in enhancing quality of life among older adults.
Substituting soy nuts for protein sources improves blood pressure and cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women. The study found significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as decreased 'bad' cholesterol levels, in women with high blood pressure.
In conflict settings, HIV treatment can be effectively delivered with preparedness and contingency measures. A study from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports similar treatment outcomes to non-conflict settings, highlighting the importance of emergency drug supplies, stockpiling, and educating patients on consistent pill-taking. The ...
Researchers found that rapid syphilis screening during pregnancy can prevent congenital syphilis cases and improve child survival. Lithium also showed promising results in a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder with no existing treatments.
Astronomers have determined the properties of a rare binary star system using NASA's FUSE satellite and ground-based telescopes. The system, LH54-425, consists of two massive O-stars with combined mass of about 100 suns, orbiting each other every 2.25 days.
A new study by Northwestern University's Charles Bennett found that RADAR identified serious drug reactions six years earlier than the FDA and drug companies. The team's proactive safety efforts provided doctors with important medical insights and guidance for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Researchers at University of Toronto have discovered how HIV works to counteract the natural defense against malaria in pregnant women. The study found that HIV-infected women lose protective antibodies, making them susceptible to severe anaemia and infant deaths.
A study found that people with dementia with Lewy bodies displayed passive personality changes, such as apathy and repetitive behaviors, more frequently than those with Alzheimer's. These changes can occur years before cognitive symptoms, enabling earlier diagnosis and potentially disease-modifying treatments.
Researchers used human antibodies derived from immune cells of H5N1 survivors to treat and protect mice from the virus. The study found that these antibodies could neutralize the virus and prevent death in mice, offering a promising therapeutic approach for pandemic influenza.
Researchers have found that monoclonal antibodies from avian flu survivors in Vietnam are effective in preventing infection and neutralizing the virus in mice. The treatment could potentially provide a clinical benefit to humans with H5N1 infections, especially if administered early after symptoms onset.
Research suggests that people with high levels of inflammation in their blood are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. The study of over 600 participants found that those with elevated cytokines were nearly twice as likely to develop the disease.
The EU ETS has achieved its goal of limiting CO2 emissions and placed a price on carbon, with the value of traded volume estimated at €14.7 billion. A global framework for managing climate policy is required to address global greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that integrating rapid syphilis testing into prenatal HIV testing programs in Haiti can prevent over 2,000 cases of stillbirth, neonatal death or congenital syphilis. The approach proved to be the best strategy due to its simplicity and ease of administration.
The California and Carnegie Planet Search team has reported 28 new exoplanets, increasing the total number of known exoplanets to 236. The new discoveries include seven confirmed brown dwarfs, which are failed stars that can be more massive than Jupiter-sized planets.
The incidence of community-associated MRSA skin and soft tissue infections increased seven-fold between 2000 and 2005 in Chicago's Cook County Hospital system. Risk factors for CA-MRSA include incarceration, African-American race/ethnicity, and poor hygiene.
Research found that higher intakes of calcium and vitamin D in premenopausal women were associated with a lower risk of developing breast cancer. The study also suggested that the antioxidant effects of these nutrients may be linked to reduced tumor growth in younger women.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that mice genetically engineered to lack a single enzyme in their brains are more adept at learning and quicker to adapt to changing environments. This discovery may serve as a target for treating disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and drug addiction.
An international team of scientists has uncovered five common genetic variants that increase an individual's risk for breast cancer. The genes code for proteins crucial to biological activities and have a moderate impact on disease prevalence across a large population.
Army ants form living 'plugs' to plug uneven potholes in their trails, reducing the impact on prey-laden foragers and increasing daily prey intake. The study found that specialized behavior by a minority of ant workers improves the performance of the majority, resulting in a clear benefit for the society as a whole.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a new reference material for peptide analysis, which will improve the performance and reliability of experiments to measure peptides in biomolecular samples. The peptide standards project committee designed three synthetic peptides with varying lengths and net char...
A large-scale study found that coffee consumption is associated with lower uric acid levels, which appears to be due to components other than caffeine. The researchers suggest that decreased insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity may contribute to the observed effect.
The technology uses magnetic fields to enable one-way communication from the surface to miners, but a new bi-directional PED will allow two-way communication, improving rescue operations. CSIRO's research has the potential to set an industry benchmark for safe mine operations.
A study found that men with a high rate of increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels before treatment have a higher risk of death from prostate cancer. Elevated PSA velocity was a stronger predictor of poor prognosis than other single indicators, such as biopsy Gleason scores or advanced disease categories.
Physicists at NIST recreate the historic double-slit experiment with atoms, demonstrating wave-particle duality and a novel technique for quantum computing. The researchers trap ultracold rubidium atoms in two overlapping lattices, creating a strobe-like effect that can be controlled.
Researchers have successfully engineered adult stem cells from human cord blood to produce insulin, a potential breakthrough in treating type 1 diabetes. The discovery uses complex signals produced by embryonic mouse pancreas to direct adult stem cells into islet-like cells, producing C-peptide and insulin.
Researchers at NIST developed a batch fabrication technique to create nanowire LEDs emitting ultraviolet light, which is crucial for data storage and biological sensing devices. The new method yields reliable, stable devices with excellent thermal stability and operational stability.
A study by Juan Alcacer and Wilbur Chung found that more advanced technology companies locate near universities to partner in research. These firms are attracted to regions rich with academic activity, rather than competitor-rich areas.
A Phase II clinical trial suggests that extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is effective in treating clinically active Crohn's disease, with a 50% response rate after 3 months of treatment. Patients who responded to ECP therapy experienced notable improvements in disease symptoms and signs within six weeks.
Dental patients can benefit from referring to tobacco-use telephone 'quitlines' for support in quitting smoking. A pilot study found that 25% of patients who used quitlines stopped using tobacco at six months, compared to 27.3% in the brief-counseling group.
A comprehensive study found that 85% of pediatric chemotherapy errors reached patients, with most common mistakes involving improper dosing and timing. The antimetabolite class of chemotherapeutic agents was most frequently associated with errors, highlighting the need for targeted medication administration safeguards.
A new study examines patterns of care for whiplash patients and finds that increasing the intensity of care is associated with slower recovery. The researchers suggest that early aggressive treatment may delay recovery by encouraging passive coping strategies, rather than improving outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a tool for rapid drug discovery by combining molecular fragments, allowing for more specific targeting of cancer cells. Additionally, two new peptides enable the labeling of proteins, enabling further study and modification.
A new gene therapy has been shown to completely eliminate osteoarthritic pain and significantly reduce long-term joint damage in genetically engineered mice. The therapy works by increasing opioid receptors on nerve cells, making them more responsive to naturally occurring painkillers.
A new research center at the University of Cincinnati is uniting biomedical competitors to fund medical technology development. The Minimally Invasive Medical Technologies Center (MIMTeC) will focus on translational research that enables U.S. companies to bring next-generation minimally invasive technologies to market.
A long-term study found that drinking 4 or more cups of coffee per day dramatically reduces the risk of gout in men. The study, which followed 45,869 men for 12 years, showed a 59% lower risk of gout among those who drank 6 or more cups of coffee daily.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have found fractal patterns in the solar wind that correspond to the Sun's 'storm season', indicating complex magnetic field activity. This discovery could improve our understanding of space weather and its impact on cosmic ray flux, as well as inform the development of fusion power.
A study of coronary artery surgery survivors found that patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus had more chronic inflammatory cell infiltration in their aortic walls. Smoking was also independently associated with increased inflammation, particularly in the inner adventitia.
A team led by Sally Johnson and Clive Upton assesses the BBC Voices project's 700 hours of sound recordings, showcasing diverse regional accents and vocabularies. The study explores how language relates to issues like gender, ethnicity, and media representation.
Research suggests that antidepressants and psychological therapies like hypnotherapy can alleviate IBS symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapy is also effective in managing IBS, with benefits lasting longer than medication treatment.
Dr. Julie Huber receives $40,000 fellowship to investigate microbial populations in the world's oceans using a combined molecular diversity and geochemical approach. Her research aims to understand how microbial populations function and regulate the ocean's ecosystems.
Researchers discovered that CEACAM6 facilitates adhesion of adherent-invasive E. coli (AIEC) bacteria to the intestinal epithelial cells' brush border in patients with Crohn's disease. This adhesion is dependent on CEACAM6 expression, which is increased in Crohn's disease patients after infection.
A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that tropical forest birds can thrive in coffee plantations with minimal restoration, highlighting the importance of preserving remnant trees and riparian corridors. The study suggests that humans and birds may coexist successfully if farmers leave small reserves of native forest.
A recent survey found that three-quarters of women with breast cancer were not informed about their risk of recurrence, despite 96% relying on their healthcare provider for information. The study highlights the need for better communication between healthcare professionals and patients to ensure they receive life-saving information.
Researchers found that fortification of staple cereal flours with high-dose NaFeEDTA significantly reduces anaemia and iron-deficiency in children. The supplement improved three major iron status indicators, including haemoglobin and plasma ferritin concentrations. In contrast, electrolytic iron had little effect on these indicators.
Computer scientists at Oregon State University developed a new approach to fix errors in spreadsheets, which can be used by anyone without extensive training. The system, called GoalDebug, provides a short list of suggested changes, allowing users to identify and fix problems efficiently.
Researchers found that repetitive strain injury is not one diagnosis but an umbrella term for various disorders caused by repetitive movements and risk factors. Conventional definitions include conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, which affect millions worldwide.
Researchers identified Rap80 as a new candidate breast-cancer susceptibility gene required for normal BRCA1 DNA-repair function. This discovery provides insights into the molecular mechanism of BRCA1 recognizing sites of DNA damage, shedding light on cancer-causing mutations in BRCA1.
The new IHR aims to prevent national public health emergencies from spreading internationally, but poorer countries lack the capacity to meet demands. China fears a Taiwan public health emergency could spread globally, highlighting the need for global surveillance.
A team of international scientists has described the rules that govern how plants arrange flowers into branching structures, known as 'inflorescences'. The new unifying theory provides an explanation for the diversity of inflorescences in nature, including regional variations and developmental patterns.
Endogenous cannabinoids play a crucial role in establishing nerve cell connections, which may be impaired by maternal cannabis use. This discovery bolsters knowledge of normal brain development and sheds light on potential cognitive deficits in offspring.