Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified prostaglandin-E2 receptors as crucial players in atherosclerosis development. Mice with impaired EP4 receptors showed reduced atherosclerosis and increased macrophage programmed cell death, highlighting the importance of these signaling pathways in disease progression.
A Forsyth Institute researcher is working on a new TB diagnostic test that could save up to 625,000 lives annually. The test aims to detect the TB bacterium's molecules in patient urine, providing a non-invasive and quick diagnosis.
Researchers found that root shape determines hormone concentration and triggers new growth regions, sharing a deep evolutionary relationship with shoot patterning. This discovery uses computational modeling and highlights the power of interdisciplinary approaches in probing organismal architecture.
Researchers monitoring Greenland's glaciers report a nearly three-fold increase in ice loss this summer compared to the previous record year. The total ice loss since 2000 is 10 times the size of Manhattan Island.
The study reveals that protein phosphatase PP1 is necessary for normal DNA methylation, removing phosphates attached to histone H3. The research provides novel insights into an intricate regulatory network involving histone phosphorylation and DNA methylation.
Young zebra finches learn new songs when they practice singing and then sleep, with changes in brain activity during sleep reflecting the tutor song and auditory feedback. This discovery provides insight into the role of sleep in learning and suggests a general mechanism for learning new skills.
Simple clinical and laboratory tests can identify low-risk stomach bleed patients who can be safely managed as outpatients. This approach reduces hospital admissions by 71% without adverse effects on patient care.
Scientists have discovered that parts of Antarctic bedrock are rising while others sink in response to melting ice. This finding will improve estimates of future sea level rise by providing a better view of what's happening under the ice.
Research reveals that the immune system's phagocytic response is stronger at night and weaker during the day, with flies infected at night showing improved survival rates. The study suggests that circadian proteins play a crucial role in regulating immunity, particularly during restorative functions like sleep.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a technique to produce double-walled carbon nanotubes with improved electrical conductivity, spatial resolution, and scanning lifetimes. The method uses density gradient ultracentrifugation to separate the nanotubes, resulting in longer DWNTs that outperform single-walled nanotubes.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that a fruit fly's immune system responds to infections based on its daily cycle and circadian rhythms. The study suggests that understanding the relationship between sleep patterns and immunity could have significant implications for human health.
New research shows regular exercise can significantly improve peripheral artery disease (PAD) symptoms by increasing collateral blood flow and enhancing vascular efficiency. Exercise training can delay pain onset and increase mobility in people with PAD.
Researchers created carbon nanotube sensors that can detect chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, environmental toxins, and DNA-damaging agents. The sensors use DNA-coated nanotubes to identify specific molecules, allowing for precise monitoring of cancer treatment effectiveness.
Scientists have successfully transplanted a single adult stem cell into a live mammal and shown that it can self-renew and repair damaged tissue. The study used genetically engineered cells to track their dynamics, demonstrating the ability of these cells to proliferate and engraft into injured muscle tissue.
Researchers are exploring the possibility of life on giant, cold planets called Super-Earths that could harbor a liquid ocean beneath their icy surface. The team uses a novel approach involving gravitational microlensing to detect these potentially habitable worlds.
A new study found six genes linked to body mass index and obesity, with five impacting brain function. The discovery sheds light on how some people may be genetically wired to overeat, challenging societal views of obesity as a moral failing.
A team of researchers has identified the enzyme phospholipase Cγ1 as critical for breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis progression. Downregulating PLCγ1 expression can revert metastasis progression, suggesting a promising approach to cancer treatment.
Researchers have identified a key molecule involved in controlling excessive scar tissue formation after a heart attack. Stopping the scarring improved heart function in mice, offering hope for people with poor heart function due to heart attacks.
Researchers have identified a possible new therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer, the SINA gene, which regulates cell growth and oncogenesis. Inhibiting this gene's function may lead to novel anti-cancer therapies.
A genetic study of over 90,000 people has identified six new genetic variants linked to increased Body Mass Index (BMI), indicating that many genetic variants implicated in obesity may affect behavior rather than energy or fat metabolism. The study suggests that the brain plays a crucial role in regulating body weight.
A new study published in Nature Cell Biology has discovered a way to increase the length of root hairs on plants, potentially improving crop yields. This method enables plants to take up minerals and water more efficiently, reducing fertiliser waste and promoting sustainable food production.
The gene responsible for Progeria has led to a promising experimental drug being evaluated in 28 children with the disease. Researchers have pinpointed the genetic mutation and identified an effective therapy, potentially treating this fatal disorder.
A planned safety analysis of a breast cancer prevention study using exemestane found an acceptable level of bone loss in postmenopausal women. The study also suggests that the long-term clinical impact of this decrease is not yet known, and further research is needed.
Mayo Clinic researchers found that young women with atypical hyperplasia had a relative risk of developing breast cancer almost six times greater than those without BBD. A strong family history of breast cancer slightly increased the risk in two other forms of benign breast disease, but only marginally.
The American Society for Cell Biology's Celldance contest reveals visually engaging and scientifically important cell-related content. This year's winners showcase stunning visuals of cellular processes, including Golgi ribbons and clathrin proteins, through videos and microscope stills.
A study by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that alternating mammography and MRI every six months can detect more breast cancers than traditional annual screening, with an accuracy of 71-100% compared to 16-40% for mammography alone. This approach detected nine cancers in high-risk women, including five identified only by MRI.
A University of Oregon expert argues that buildings are not just structures but places shaped by human interaction with the natural and built environment. The expert's approach to architecture, known as situated regionalism, prioritizes current needs and environmental responses over historical references.
Researchers found that Tau expression is predictive of survival, but in an unexpected way. Low Tau levels were linked to a good response to pre-operative chemotherapy and higher sensitivity to paclitaxel, but also a relatively poor overall survival rate.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found a strong association between dense breasts and increased breast cancer risk, citing tissue composition differences between dense and non-dense tissue. Dense breast tissue contains more epithelium and stroma, and higher aromatase enzyme levels than non-dense tissue.
Postmenopausal women with a deficiency in the CYP2D6 gene have a nearly fourfold higher risk of early breast cancer recurrence when taking tamoxifen. Mayo Clinic researchers recommend testing for the gene before starting therapy.
A Kansas State University graduate student has found a correlation between childhood obesity and asthma. Healthy children with higher body fat levels and lower physical activity had greater airway narrowing after exercise, suggesting an early link to asthma diagnosis.
Researchers have discovered that manipulating salmonella bacteria in space can reduce their infectiousness. The study found that microgravity alters the expression of genes related to virulence, with pathogenic cells displaying a significant increase in disease potential.
A new study by Cardiff University found that climate change is hindering the long-term recovery of rivers from the effects of acid rain. The research, which took place over a 25-year period, showed that up to 40% of improvements made in reducing acid rain have been canceled out due to climatic effects.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that a brain enzyme, p70 S6 Kinase 1, plays a key role in regulating feeding behavior and metabolism. Increasing the enzyme's activity reduces food intake and body weight, while lowering it has the opposite effect.
Scientists have successfully grown two native bushy species, Genista versicolor and Reseda complicata, to suggest new mechanisms for restoring vegetation in the ski resort. The study aims to improve germination and growth percentages of these species using different vegetable growth regulators.
Researchers developed a novel x-ray technique to observe molecular motion in real time, allowing better understanding of structural evolution during chemical reactions. This discovery has promising prospects for applications in magnetic data storage, solar energy, and biology.
The EUROCORES HumVIB program investigates the impact of country-specific factors on individual values, attitudes, and behavior across Europe. The program aims to understand how cultural, social, political, and economic contexts shape human behavior, with potential implications for policy-making and bridging the gender gap.
A supplement published in Malaria Journal reviews aspects of research agenda for global malaria elimination. Despite hurdles, progress has been made in developing malaria vaccines intended to kill all parasites in the community, reducing transmission.
Research shows nostalgia enhances psychological health by boosting self-esteem and perceptions of social support. Nostalgia also counteracts loneliness and provides a link between past and present selves.
Researchers measured oxygen consumption rates of hatchlings swimming to safety, finding a rapid decline in energy expenditure over time. The findings suggest that young turtles can survive up to 14 days without food in the open ocean.
A team of scientists has analyzed global atmospheric data for the past 60 years to determine the frequency of polar lows. They found that there is no long-term trend in the frequency of these storms, contradicting previous assumptions about their connection to climate change.
The Argonne Leadership Computing Facility's Blue Gene/P computer uses about a third as much electricity as comparable machines, making it the second-most energy-efficient supercomputer worldwide. This efficiency saves taxpayers over $1 million annually and reduces the laboratory's environmental footprint.
Farming of fish in ocean cages promotes infection and lowers fitness of wild fish, leading to higher death rates. Sea lice are a major example of disease transfer in ocean fish farming, causing widespread decline of wild fish populations.
A team of scientists has discovered a new region of the magnetosphere known as the warm plasma cloak, which affects Earth's space environment. This invisible shield is fed by low-energy charged particles and can impact our daily lives, causing power surges, disrupting radio transmissions, and damaging satellites.
Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History have identified three distinct species of African dwarf crocodiles through genetic analysis. The study reveals that these animals are diagnostically distinct and have been on their own evolutionary trajectory for a long time.
A large study found that early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer patients with tumors one centimeter or smaller have a 23% chance of recurrence, highlighting the need for additional therapy. The study's findings suggest that physicians should consider offering Herceptin-based therapy to these patients.
Researchers tested two flame retardants on Douglas-fir and Fraser fir trees, finding no benefit to quality or life; in fact, chemical retardants sped up drying process and made trees more flammable.
The center is researching ways to reduce carbon emissions from biofuels, develop economic models for industry costs, and assess the impact of land-use changes on greenhouse gas emissions. The center aims to support interdisciplinary research and provide policy-relevant insights for the biobased industry.
UK researchers have identified a potential new avenue for improving lung development in premature babies, which could help alleviate respiratory problems. The study suggests that altering the function of a molecule called CaR could mature the lungs of very premature babies.
Researchers Annemarie Surlykke and Elizabeth Kalko measured the volume of two 'whispering' bat species' calls, discovering they were actually shrieking at levels up to 110 decibels. The findings suggest that these bats use high-volume calls for echolocation in complex forest environments.
The USGS discusses prehistoric climate changes providing clues to future shifts and large deposits of gas hydrates on Alaska's North Slope. Holiday lights reveal the mineral composition behind their glow.
A new survey of 4,000 American adults reveals that fewer than one-third have been vaccinated against the flu, citing misperceptions and lack of time as main reasons. The CDC's National Influenza Vaccination Week aims to encourage greater use of influenza vaccines through December.
Two studies published in The Lancet show that removing pelvic lymph nodes or external beam radiotherapy does not improve survival rates for women with early endometrial cancer. Removal of lymph nodes increased risk of death by 16%, while radiotherapy showed no benefit in terms of overall survival.
Stanford researchers predict more frequent heat waves, higher temperatures, and increased crop losses in California. Average temperatures are expected to rise 4-9 degrees Fahrenheit over the next 50-100 years, with potential impacts on crops like cherries, peaches, and grapes.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a new mechanism of attention in the human brain using modafinil. The study shows that modafinil shifts the brain into an 'exploitation mode' where subjects perform better on tasks requiring focus.
The American Cancer Society announced the winners of the 2009 Luther L. Terry Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in tobacco control worldwide. The awards were presented to six individuals and organizations for their contributions to tobacco control, including researchers, policymakers, and advocates.
The University of Adelaide is set to become a global leader in photonics and advanced sensing technologies thanks to a $28.8 million government investment. Researchers will utilize state-of-the-art facilities to develop breakthroughs in various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science.
Studies show hormone supplements, such as estrogen-progestin and letrozole, can reduce breast cancer mortality risk by up to 63% and improve overall survival. Meanwhile, tamoxifen is found to be superior for quality of life measures, with patients paying a price in quality of life when switching from anastrozole.
Researchers discover new biomarkers that can predict breast cancer risk, respond to tamoxifen treatment, and identify patients who may benefit from anthracycline chemotherapy. A genetic model also improves diagnostic accuracy in high-risk populations.
Researchers investigated two theories of forgetfulness and found that temporal confusability, not decay, is the main cause of forgetting over the short term. The study reveals that making information distinct can alleviate and even reverse the classic pattern of forgetting.