Researchers sequence genomes of multi-drug resistant and drug-sensitive TB isolates, revealing few genetic differences that contribute to drug resistance. The findings shed light on the genetic factors driving TB drug resistance and lay the groundwork for a rapid diagnostic test.
Acclaimed stem cell researcher Shinya Yamanaka successfully reprograms human adult cells into pluripotent stem cells capable of developing into any cell type. This breakthrough accelerates the pace of stem cell research and holds promise for generating alternative sources of human pluripotent stem cells.
A Stanford study found that using pedometers can increase daily physical activity by 2,000 steps, leading to significant weight loss and improved blood pressure. The study of over 2,700 participants suggests that pedometers are a simple yet effective tool for promoting health behaviors.
A new report from Cornell reveals that people with disabilities are underrepresented in the workforce, with only 38% employed compared to 80% of those without disabilities. Additionally, Americans with disabilities face a higher risk of living in poverty, with 25.4% facing economic hardship.
Researchers discovered that carnivorous pitcher plants employ slimy secretions to capture prey, utilizing viscoelastic properties to ensnare insects. The fluid's unique constituency enables it to remain effective even in heavy rainfall conditions.
Scientists at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health used MassTag PCR to detect a new human rhinovirus as the cause of severe pediatric respiratory tract infections in Europe. Human rhinoviruses are frequent causes of respiratory illness worldwide, and this discovery confirms earlier findings in New York.
Researchers have discovered a way to transform adult human skin cells into cells resembling embryonic stem cells, which can differentiate into various tissue types. The converted cells display physical and genetic features similar to those found in embryonic stem cells.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between asthma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adults. The research suggested that the association is not primarily due to genetic influences, but rather may be related to immune system functioning or common risk factors.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have a compromised blood-spinal cord barrier, leading to vascular leakage and potential mechanisms for motor neuron damage. Researchers hope this finding will lead to the development of new treatments targeting the barrier's repair.
Scientists have discovered a giant fossilized claw from an ancient sea scorpion, indicating that the creature was approximately 2.5 meters long and much taller than the average man. This finding suggests that spiders, insects, crabs, and similar creatures were larger in the past than previously thought.
Researchers found that specific brain regions show similar patterns of activity when viewing ambiguous images, implying these regions contribute to conscious experience. The study's findings may help understand disorders like dyslexia by providing insight into the functional role of motion-perception areas in the brain.
Researchers developed new methods for estimating mortality fractions using vital registration data in Mexico, and a validation strategy for verbal autopsy data combining previous methods in China. These advancements improve health planning and prioritization in low-resource settings.
A recent study found that most college students wish they were thinner, with 90% of women wanting to be within the normal-weight range. However, many overweight individuals also desire a body weight that would keep them overweight, suggesting a disconnect between idealized and healthy weights.
Researchers characterize conductive and field emission properties of single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, finding structure-dependent conductivity and emission. The findings bring next-gen flat panel TVs and monitors closer to reality.
A survey of large US employers found that few use physician quality data to improve health benefit quality, despite efforts to promote value-based purchasing. Employers reported skepticism about the effectiveness of value-based purchasing strategies.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that the surface of manganite materials has a more disordered orbital order than their bulk counterparts. This 'surface orbital roughness' affects electron transfer and provides fundamental information for future research and development.
The Peking-Yale Joint Center will receive continued and expanded support from Monsanto, enabling graduate student exchanges and plant biology-related programs. The center aims to improve crop production by advancing understanding of plant biology.
A Cornell University study found that trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD or depression exhibit persistent differences in stress response, including lower cortisol levels and prolonged negative moods.
A new study led by Duke Prostate Center researchers found that obese men may be missing cancers because the blood marker used to detect prostate cancer can be diluted in their bodies. The concentration of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood is lower in obese men due to increased blood volume.
Researchers at UW-Madison have successfully reprogrammed skin cells into embryonic stem cells, potentially resolving the ethical controversy surrounding human embryonic stem cell research. This breakthrough could lead to a shift in government funding policies and pave the way for non-embryonic stem cell research.
Researchers found that bortezomib selectively inhibits melanoma tumor cells by overactivating the cancer-promoting gene c-MYC, leading to increased production of NOXA and promoting cell death. The study suggests a novel treatment strategy for various types of cancer.
Researchers at MIT are developing novel thermoelectric materials that can control temperatures efficiently, leading to substantial energy savings. These materials have already resulted in a consumer product - a simple cooling system for car seats in hot climates.
A new study led by UK scientists aims to reduce China's CO2 emissions from coal use, which are set to double by 2030. The 'Near Zero Emissions Coal' project uses carbon capture and storage technology to achieve up to a 90% reduction in emissions.
Global health experts Laurie Garrett and David Fidler propose stockpiling highly specific influenza vaccines and antiviral medicines in Hong Kong to overcome the virus sharing impasse. The proposal aims to benefit developing countries by ensuring they have access to vaccine, reducing the risk of pandemic influenza.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified over 300 new human genes using a comparative approach to the genome. These newly discovered genes are involved in various biological processes, including motor activity, cell adhesion, and central nervous system development.
Researchers used fMRI scans to study brain activity in subjects with no art criticism knowledge, contrasting Classical and Renaissance sculptures with altered proportions. The presence of the 'golden ratio' activated specific neurons, while beautiful vs. ugly sculptures selectively activated the amygdala and insula, respectively.
A study by Stanford Medicine found that rapid response teams significantly reduce death rates and cardiopulmonary arrest rates in pediatric settings. The teams, composed of existing staff members, assess a child's condition within five minutes after a summons and provide supportive care to prevent deterioration.
A study found that adding a rapid response medical team to a children's hospital led to an 18% decrease in death rates and a 70% decline in cardiac and respiratory arrests. The intervention resulted in the estimated saving of 33 lives.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that an immune system gene can enhance a vaccine used to study HIV in macaque monkeys, providing greater protection against simian HIV. The study found that the addition of Interleukin-15 boosts the effects of a vaccine derived from the DNA of simian HIV.
Physicians face challenges in managing and identifying obesity, with most lacking skills and knowledge to address the issue. A top researcher highlights the importance of training family physicians to provide optimal care to obese patients.
Researchers are developing three-dimensional photonic crystals that can reflect single colors of light, enabling compact optical semiconductor components. This technology has the potential to replace electrical signals with light-based transmission, leading to faster and more efficient data transfer in telecommunications.
Researchers at Tohoku University found that monitoring total entrance skin radiation dose can accurately determine maximum radiation skin dose during coronary angioplasty. This allows radiologists to avoid skin injury to patients, a major disadvantage of the procedure.
A new Cornell University study found that even small amounts of lead in children's blood are associated with reduced IQ scores. The study examined the effect of lead exposure on cognitive function in children with BLLs below the CDC standard, and found an adverse effect on nonverbal IQ scores.
Post-treatment PET scans can accurately detect cervical cancer tumor response and predict long-term survival. The scans help identify patients whose tumors have not responded to therapy, allowing for alternative treatment options.
Researchers found chemical traces of caffeine and theobromine in ancient pottery shards dating back to 1100 B.C., indicating that cacao was consumed as a fermented drink before being used for chocolate. The discovery offers new insights into the earliest consumption of cacao, challenging previous assumptions about its history.
The Carnegie Mellon team's winning letter addressed the presidential hopefuls' positions on environmental policies, calling for strong leadership to drive a sustainable energy solution. The students won a $10,000 scholarship and will attend the Energy Efficiency Forum.
A holistic approach is needed to cope with freshwater needs, primarily through seawater desalination and brackish water desalination. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and wave power can be used in conjunction to generate electricity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The study found that using a pedometer with a daily step goal significantly increases physical activity by 26.9% and decreases body mass index and systolic blood pressure. Participants also experienced significant reductions in weight and improved health outcomes.
Research found that higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with greater plasma volume, leading to lower PSA concentrations among obese men. The study of over 13,000 men with prostate cancer suggests a possible explanation for the observed association between obesity and decreased PSA levels.
A study by Dartmouth researchers found that rural patients are diagnosed at an earlier stage for colorectal and lung cancer compared to urban patients. The study controlled for various factors, including age, race, and education level. Rural-urban differences in cancer presentation may inform targeted screening efforts.
A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers successfully reprogrammed human skin cells into cells indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough could revolutionize the field of stem cell biology and provide a new source of stem cells for medical research.
SAGE and Hindawi will launch a suite of Gold Open Access journals, strengthening their portfolios in science, technology, and medicine. The partnership aims to widen access to important scholarly research.