Researchers at Caltech uncover how HCMV uses a stolen class 1 MHC protein, UL18, to hide from the immune system. The virus's decoy protein binds tighter than real MHC molecules, inhibiting immune response and allowing it to thrive without harming its host.
Watching local or network news increases likelihood of drawing on negative stereotypes about blacks, according to a University of Illinois researcher. The effect is independent of viewers' existing racial attitudes and can even reinforce stereotypes among those who think themselves prejudice-free.
A team of scientists from MIT, Harvard, and McGill has designed a new tactile illusion to investigate perception and how different senses work together. The illusion produces changes in touch perception that are independent of changes in the stimulus, shedding light on brain function and conscious experience.
A new study found that lionfish can slash the survival of other reef fishes by 80 percent within a short period. The invasive species disrupts the ecological balance of coral reefs, allowing seaweeds to overwhelm them. This is another major threat to coral reefs, following overfishing and pollution.
The journal will play a key role in the Asia-Pacific Region's entomological research community, publishing original research papers and review articles. Elsevier has agreed to publish the journal on behalf of three societies, aiming to promote leading entomological research from Asia and worldwide.
Diabetes can cause gangrene and skin ulcers due to restricted blood supply, leading to impaired healing and tissue dysfunction. New therapies may be developed by suppressing the action of p75NTR, a gene responsible for promoting blood vessel growth in diabetes.
Scientists propose a framework for deciding when and how to intervene in species relocation due to climate change. They suggest bolstering conservation efforts, maintaining species in captivity, or finding new habitats may be inadequate alternatives. The study emphasizes the need to minimize climate change through mitigation.
Ahi1 and Hap1 form a stable complex in mouse brain, but truncated Ahi1 fails to stabilize Hap1; this affects TrkB levels crucial for nerve and brain development. The study provides insight into Joubert syndrome mechanisms.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified 48 'poised gene cassette' genes that are tightly controlled in tumors, making them potential targets for cancer treatment. These genes showed subtle yet significant differences in expression between highly metastatic and non-metastatic cells.
A new study identifies 39 genes differentially expressed between workers with varying Gp-9 genotypes, including those regulating chemical signaling and response. The study also found 91 genes indirectly influenced by social environment, highlighting the genetic complexities of social behavior.
Researchers mapped the developing brain cells in midshipman fish larvae and compared them to other species to find that the neural network behind sound production is conserved across vertebrates. This finding puts human speech and social communications in evolutionary context, providing a framework for studying social behavior.
A genetic variant found almost exclusively in individuals of Asian descent significantly increases the risk of elevated triglycerides. The study found that 15.1% of Chinese-Americans with high plasma TG carried at least one copy of the variant, corresponding to a 4.4 times greater risk.
The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded $31 million in grants to study the relationship between genetic variants and common diseases. Researchers will examine how genetic factors interact with environmental factors to influence health outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that AHI1 protein instability contributes to Joubert syndrome, while Ahi1-HAP1 complex interactions regulate brain development. In contrast, studies on leprosy and atherosclerosis reveal links between innate immunity and human lipid metabolism, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Scientists have identified a gene called Lrh1 that plays a crucial role in regulating ovulation. Deleting this gene in mice prevents ovulation, opening up potential avenues for developing more effective contraceptives and fertility treatments. This discovery could benefit up to 15% of infertile couples seeking help.
A comprehensive study of 31 countries found significant variations in cancer survival rates, with the US and Europe experiencing lower survival rates compared to other regions. The study reveals a racial gap in cancer survival between black and white populations in the US, with blacks facing a 7-14% lower survival rate.
Recent studies on mice have found six specific chromosomal locations that significantly correlate to the inheritance of high physical activity traits. Furthermore, 17 other genetic locations were identified that also control activity levels through interaction with each other, accounting for approximately 84% of behavioral differences ...
Massive underwater volcanic eruptions occurred 23 thousand years before a global oceanic anoxic event, leading to the extinction of ocean life. The eruptions released nutrients and oxygen-depleting gases, causing a chain reaction that ultimately led to the mass extinction.
Cinacalcet treatment reduces PTH levels and phosphorus levels in ESRD patients with hyperparathyroidism. The study also found a reduction in the set point of the PTH-calcium curve, indicating that cinacalcet makes parathyroid cells more sensitive to calcium.
A world-leading political philosopher argues that international rules on intellectual property violate human rights by denying access to vital medicines. An alternative licensing system, the Health Impact Fund (HIF), is proposed to render the existing system human-rights compliant.
A new study found that people who made annual budgets were more accurate than those who made monthly ones. The researchers also discovered that people's perception of their budget-making abilities affected the accuracy of the budgets, with annual budgets being more accurate due to the difficulty in construction.
A gene variant found only in people of African ancestry increases the risk of becoming infected with HIV-1, but those who carry it may live up to two years longer after infection. The variant affects a protein on red blood cells that is also involved in protecting against malaria.
A meta-analysis of D-cycloserine and fear extinction found that the medication improves the effectiveness of behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders. Tolerance may develop to its effects, suggesting it should be used before therapy sessions to enhance brain responsiveness.
Researchers will investigate fundamental mechanisms of SERS and develop high-performance substrates using optical antennas, laser nanostructuring, and theoretical chemistry. The goal is to improve the technology's practical use in detecting materials, including chemical and biological agents.
A new therapy developed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center improves transplant rates and outcomes for patients awaiting living- and deceased-donor kidney transplantation. The combination of IVIG and rituximab offers superior benefits to IVIG alone, improving transplant rates to 80 percent of treated patients.
Research found that even brief exposure to brand names can alter consumers' subconscious goals, influencing purchase decisions. This study provides new insights into the power of brands in shaping consumer behavior.
Researchers have developed a novel therapy that utilizes magnetic nanoparticles to target and capture cancer cells, which can then be removed from the body. This technology shows promise in treating ovarian cancer, where free-floating cancer cells spread throughout the abdominal cavity.
Researchers found a deliberate strategy by tobacco companies to recruit and addict young smokers with milder menthol products. The study analyzed internal documents, lab tests, and survey data, revealing that menthol brands with lower levels appealed to younger smokers.
A new study by Michael W. Allen, Richa Gupta, and Arnaud Monnier found that people's perception of meat's taste is influenced more by personal values than actual taste. The researchers examined the symbolic meaning of foods and beverages, discovering that social power associations with meat contribute to its perceived flavor.
A $2 million computer will significantly boost Johns Hopkins researchers' efforts to diagnose and treat brain diseases, heart illnesses, cancer, and other medical ailments. The powerful computer, set to be installed in early 2009, is expected to accelerate experiments, comparisons, and data analysis, leading to potential breakthroughs.
Scientists have identified the protein SR-B1 as responsible for transporting lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that may help prevent macular degeneration. The study found that blocking the protein's action significantly reduced the cells' absorption of these nutrients.
A new approach by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers provides a framework for studying the effects of circadian disruption on various health problems. The device, called Daysimeter, measures daily rest and activity patterns, as well as exposure to circadian light, in both humans and rodents.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals how Chinese advertising co-opted communist symbols and messages to promote consumption. The research found that advertisers transformed socialist economic goals into consumer messages, contributing to China's rapid materialistic shift.
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle will be the first recipient of a prestigious award from the Ecological Society of America. The award recognizes his commitment to ecological and environmental policy issues through initiatives such as invasive species control and renewable energy promotion.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital have identified two proteins, GKN1 and GKN2, which are produced by normal stomach cells. Patients with poor outcomes following surgery for stomach cancer had extremely low amounts of these proteins. The discovery may help physicians better determine and individualize therapy for stomach cancer.
The study found that males benefit from high-carbohydrate, low-protein diets, while females thrive on a diet with a one-to-one carbohydrate-to-protein ratio. This finding has implications for human diet, aging, and reproduction, highlighting the need for individualized dietary approaches based on sex and reproductive stage.
The virtual environment, VEDA, allows researchers to spend more time doing research and less time developing simulations. Over 300 researchers have used the platform since its launch, with tools being developed for other applications.
Two new studies reveal vast lakes, flowing rivers and various wet environments on ancient Mars, suggesting the planet may have been habitable. The discoveries were made using data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which found clay minerals and phyllosilicates in ancient highlands dating back to 4.6 billion years ago.
A U-M study found that three-quarters of ER patients leave with a misunderstanding of their diagnosis, treatment, and post-visit instructions. Patients often reported feeling confident despite lacking understanding, highlighting the need for improved communication between ER teams and patients.
The study reveals that the Liujiang brain shares morphological features with modern humans, including a round shape and enlarged frontal lobes. The virtual endocast also shows a high brain capacity, suggesting a Late Homo sapiens classification.
Nearly 20 million teeth are extracted annually, affecting patients' psychological well-being. Dr. Kiyak's course discusses ways to cope with tooth loss, including reviewing replacement options and testimonials from others who have undergone similar procedures. A great smile can boost self-esteem, confidence, and overall health.
Researchers reconstruct cancer cell family tree using novel method, tracing developmental history and growth pattern. The technique enables estimation of cell depth, a key factor in understanding cancer behavior.
A new study finds that consumers tend to diversify their choices more for future than present consumption due to uncertainty about future preferences. The researchers propose that stochastic noise plays a crucial role in this phenomenon, leading to overestimation of future choice options.
Researchers found evidence of a water-rich environment in ancient southern highlands of Mars, with phyllosilicate deposits indicating low-temperature mineral formation. The team's discovery suggests a benign, habitable environment during the Noachian period.
A PhD study found that foreign wives in Taiwan often suffer low mental and physical health, as well as domestic violence and enter prostitution to make ends meet. The women, mostly from Vietnam and Indonesia, were difficult to reach due to their husbands' efforts to hide them from public view.
A worldwide study found significant differences in cancer survival rates between rich and poor countries, as well as between black and white men and women in the US. Cancer survival varies widely across regions, with some countries having much higher or lower survival rates than others.
Recent research reveals that spotted hyenas often hunt alone to avoid feeding competition within their social group and instead opt for solo hunts to ensure individual survival. By doing so, they tap into a previously unknown strategy for increasing their chances of capturing prey.
A recent study challenges previous findings on iodinated contrast material's effect on kidney function. It found that serum creatinine levels change frequently in patients without receiving contrast material, rendering prior studies' conclusions questionable.
A genetic variation that protects against malaria increases susceptibility to HIV by up to 40%, yet also prolongs survival by approximately two years. This finding highlights the complex relationship between genetics and HIV/AIDS, with implications for targeted prevention strategies.
In a bid to control an extensive plague outbreak in South Dakota, biologists are vaccinating endangered black-footed ferrets with a vaccine given by the U.S. Geological Survey. The vaccine has been used during a major plague epizootic for the first time and is administered to prairie dogs and ferrets through initial shots and boosters.
A study by Dr. Nicole Bernard of McGill University Health Centre found that specific genes KIR3DL1 and HLA-B*57 provide innate resistance to HIV infection. People carrying these gene versions may be able to destroy infected cells more efficiently, lowering their risk of developing AIDS.
FSU will receive a fully automated cryo-electron microscope that provides rapid, 3-D imaging of frozen specimens around-the-clock via remote operation. This technology will advance cutting-edge studies of various diseases, including HIV/AIDS, heart disease, and cancer.
In southern Yemen, archaeologists have discovered evidence of ancient transitions from hunting and herding to irrigation agriculture around 5,200 years ago. The research team used GIS mapping and studied contemporary land and water rights to understand the development of expert knowledge of hydrology among early farmers.
The NIH is providing $33.3 million for 20 High-End Instrumentation grants, supporting the purchase of advanced research equipment costing over $750,000. These grants aim to enable new discoveries and treatments in disease areas such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's.
Ohio State University students using clickers in physics lectures scored 10% higher on final exams than those without, leveling the playing field for male and female students. The technology may encourage more women to study science, addressing a US need for scientists and engineers.
Physicists at Ohio State University have developed a new kind of MRI technique that can image the inside of extremely tiny magnets, enabling potential applications in computer memory and biomedical research. The technique combines three technologies to create high-resolution images of individual magnets.
The European Urology journal has released its new impact factor of 5.634, highlighting the journal's outstanding quality and international profile. This achievement is directly related to the success of the European Association of Urology (EAU), which represents over 16,000 urologists across Europe and worldwide.
A new study found that teen smokers progress through stages in their attempts to quit smoking, including increased cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Only 19% of participants managed to stop smoking for 12 months or more by the end of the five-year study.
A recent study suggests that booster vaccination with a newer strain of H5N1 avian influenza can be more effective than simply vaccinating with the current vaccine. The study shows that priming with an earlier vaccine can enhance immune responses to single-dose vaccination schedules, making it a potential strategy for pandemic control.
A new issue brief examines the current financial status of state retiree health plans, finding that not all states face a fiscal crisis and retirement benefits are not protected by law. States with low unfunded liabilities include North Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa, and Oregon.