Gene therapy research in low- and middle-income countries has raised concerns about the ethical use of patients from deprived populations. Researchers argue that these trials should address local health needs and be affordable for implementation in those countries' healthcare systems.
A Brown University-led research team has found evidence of water trapped in lunar volcanic glasses, suggesting it was present since the Moon's formation around 4.5 billion years ago. The discovery may shed light on the origin of water on Earth and its presence in the Moon's interior.
A new drug has been shown to rapidly improve neuropathology and cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's Disease. The treatment, PBT2, targets synaptic metals and has been found to reduce amyloid beta levels and inhibit AD-like neuropathology within hours and days.
The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has increased nearly twice as much as standard IVF in Europe, according to new data. ICSI is now used more frequently in countries with southern European roots, despite lacking medical evidence that it provides better pregnancy rates than IVF.
Scientists have identified over 100 host cell genes that the influenza virus depends on for infection, offering hope for developing new antiviral drugs. The study used fruit fly cells and RNA interference to screen for these targets, which could potentially be used to prevent viral replication and resistance.
A study by Dr. Con Mallidis from Queen's University, Belfast, UK, found that diabetes causes DNA damage in sperm and decreases their ability to repair DNA, leading to decreased fertility. The researchers identified AGEs as a key factor in this damage.
The study found that the gestation-adjusted projection method (GAP) produced impressive results, accurately predicting birth weights in over 90% of cases. The GAP method uses ultrasound measurements and a mathematical formula to determine whether the baby is larger than average size for its gestational age.
The journal Genome Research has seen a significant boost in its impact factor, ranking #2 in the Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology category. With an impact factor of 11.224, it continues to be a major player in the field.
The LSUHSC has been awarded a $10 million COBRE grant to support cardiovascular research projects and mentor junior faculty. The grant will fund four research projects and one pilot project, focusing on various aspects of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, stents, and stroke.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a single protein, HS1, that enables key functions of natural killer (NK) cells. The protein allows NK cells to pursue targets, latch on, and kill them. Further study of HS1 may open new possibilities for revving up NK cells to fight infections and cancer.
Researchers found that men vaccinated in the morning showed strongest immune response to both hepatitis and influenza vaccines. The study's results have implications for vaccination timing, suggesting that adults could be vaccinated at specific times of day to increase their protection against flu.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that myosin-I motors sense minute changes in force to regulate cellular processes. This discovery has implications for understanding hearing, balance, glucose uptake, and more.
Researchers detected minute geological changes that preceded small earthquakes along California's San Andreas Fault by up to 10 hours using new instruments. The findings suggest a fundamentally different approach to current earthquake warning systems.
A three-dose pneumococcal vaccination program has shown a 70% reduction in serious infections among young children in Norway. The vaccine protects against seven serotypes of pneumococcus, responsible for 70% of severe cases.
A UCLA professor's analysis of over 160 studies reveals that a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can enhance cognitive abilities, protect the brain from damage, and counteract aging. Omega-3s have been shown to improve learning and memory, fight depression and mood disorders, and even support synaptic plasticity.
The study found that early fossil members of both the New World and Old World anthropoid lineages had small brain sizes, leading to independent brain size increase in isolated groups. The research provides new insights into the genetic controls on encephalization and its effects on skull growth and shape.
Research by Dr. A Ghiyath Shayeb found that obese men had lower semen volumes and higher proportions of abnormal sperm. Men with a healthy BMI, however, had better semen quality. The study suggests that achieving an ideal body weight before trying for a baby can improve fertility outcomes.
Researchers have found a gene mutation linked to one family's hereditary form of atrial fibrillation, leading to better understanding and potential new treatments. The discovery provides insight into pathways that may be applicable to people in the general population with atrial fibrillation.
A NOAA-led research expedition will study three German submarine wrecks sunk off North Carolina's coast in 1942. The team will use non-invasive methods to survey and photograph the visible sections of U-352, U-85, and U-701, while studying marine life at the sites.
Scientists create model nanocatalyst with controlled molybdenum sulfide nanocluster size and structure. This innovation enables designing more efficient nanocatalysts for hydrodesulfurization processes, reducing pollution from natural gas and petroleum products.
Recent advancements in genome technologies and molecular-biology techniques offer new hope for microbial bioenergy applications. Microbes can convert biomass into useful energy forms, such as methane, hydrogen, or electricity, and capture sunlight to produce liquid fuels.
Researchers measured seismic wave speed changes before two small earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault, finding anomalies that occurred hours before the events. The findings suggest a 'stress meter' could provide an indication of imminent earthquakes.
Commercial shipping releases 130,000 metric tons of soot annually, with tugboats emitting nearly a gram per kilogram of fuel burned. The high levels are linked to low-quality fuel and poor engine maintenance, contributing to air quality issues near populous urban areas.
Scientists have identified over 100 host genes required by the flu virus for successful infection using a modified flu virus in fly cells. The study reveals a powerful new way to search for antiviral pressure points, which could lead to the development of new drugs.
Researchers found that adding pressure early in their protocol dramatically speeds up proteomic analysis, reducing the time-consuming first step from four hours to just one minute. This breakthrough increases the number of samples that can be analyzed, with the pressure method generating about 10% more unique peptides.
Researchers have identified eight new proteins that transport the Plasmodium falciparum parasite's 'glue' to the surface of infected red blood cells. Removing one of these proteins prevents infected red blood cells from sticking to blood vessel walls, suggesting a potential target for new anti-malarial treatments.
A study found that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were less likely to use recommended medications after a heart attack, but 1-year adherence rates were similar for both groups. Rates of medication use varied significantly among different types of drugs.
Researchers are comparing the effectiveness of tenofovir as an oral tablet and vaginal gel for HIV prevention. The study aims to understand how each formulation works in infection-prone cells, with a focus on optimal doses and women's adherence.
Researchers discovered that hepatitis C infection causes fatty liver by elevating an enzyme called fatty acid synthase (FAS) in human liver cells. Elevated FAS levels may help determine which patients are at risk of developing life-threatening diseases like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Researchers successfully developed human embryonic stem cells from a single cell of a 4-cell stage embryo, reducing the need for destruction of the embryo. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of hESCs at an earlier stage and alleviate ethical concerns surrounding the technology.
Researchers at UCSC have identified a novel type of gene regulation in mammals involving hammerhead ribozymes, which control the activity of important immune response and bone metabolism genes. The discovery challenges previous views on gene expression and suggests a more versatile role for RNA molecules.
A team of scientists has developed a system to detect potential 'biomarkers' of early forms of cancer by analyzing sugar molecules attached to proteins. The system aims to provide more accurate early diagnosis and monitoring of cancer progression.
MED-EL's new MAESTRO system demonstrates remarkable improvements in music enjoyment, with 91% of clinical investigation subjects reporting that music sounds pleasant with their cochlear implant. The FineHearing technology also provides statistically significant improvements in hearing in noisy environments.
Verbally aggressive mothers tend to control their child's behavior during play activities, often using physical negative touch to enforce their will. Children of low-aggressive mothers exhibit less resistance and follow their mother's lead more easily.
Researchers have identified a new form of fatal dementia in 16 Americans, with 10 victims already deceased, characterized by brain damage caused by misfolded protein accumulation, differing from known CJD, prompting genetic and environmental investigation
Recent discoveries of flatfish fossils have revealed a gradual evolution of asymmetrical skulls, contradicting Charles Darwin's explanations for the species' unique anatomy. The fossils, dated to the Eocene epoch, show intermediate stages between modern flatfish and their primitive ancestors.
Researchers describe the shape of the Ebola virus spike protein bound to an immune system antibody, providing a major step forward in understanding how the deadly virus works. The structure reveals vulnerable sites that can be exploited to develop potential Ebola virus vaccines or treatments.
A study suggests that more frequent hemodialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may improve their quality of life and cut down on hospitalizations. However, the increased costs of delivering hemodialysis may outweigh the benefits unless significant cost reductions are achieved.
Researchers measured changes in rock stress affecting seismic wave speed at depths where earthquakes occur, detecting 'preseismic' changes before two earthquakes. The findings could lead to a better understanding of fault-zone stress and improve earthquake prediction.
Researchers at seven universities, led by Lehigh's Dr. Lee Kern, will study interventions for high-school students with severe behavioral disorders. The goal is to develop effective school-based interventions that can help students with these challenges become productive members of society.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed laser-produced light sources for next generation Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL), which could make the process more efficient, simpler, and cheaper. This breakthrough may lead to advancements in flash memory chips, enabling denser and faster storage.
Scientists have found a missing link in the evolution of flatfishes, explaining how they developed their unique asymmetrical body plan. The study, published in Nature, reveals that early flatfishes had intermediate characteristics, rejecting the theory that they evolved suddenly as 'hopeful monsters'.
A new analysis of kidney transplant data found that male kidneys function better in men than women, who have a higher risk of rejection. The study, based on almost 200,000 cases, suggests that gender should be considered when allocating donor kidneys.
NOAA researchers discovered that inhaled brevetoxins from red tides can damage DNA and attach to genetic code, potentially leading to cancer. Long-term exposure could add to cumulative DNA damage, increasing cancer risk.
The study found that physical changes caused by damming have a disproportionate adverse effect on native fish, which are more vulnerable due to their life history differences. The researchers suggest recreating the high-flow, sediment-rich waters of the Colorado River to reverse the decline in native species.
A new study suggests that water on the Moon's surface came from volcanic eruptions over 3 billion years ago, rather than vaporization during its formation. Researchers used advanced techniques to detect tiny amounts of water in lunar samples, revealing a significant amount of water in glass beads.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that HER2-positive breast cancers have four to five times more cancer stem cells than HER2-negative cancers. The drug Herceptin was shown to reduce cancer stem cell numbers by 80 percent, targeting and destroying these cells.
Scientists propose that sunlight increases or decreases the spin rate of asteroids, leading to moon formation through material slung off at the equator. This process exposes fresh material at the poles and coalesces into a satellite orbiting its parent.
Scientists have discovered the location of doped hole carriers that aggregate in high-temperature superconductors, advancing understanding of how they form pairs. This finding reveals the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity, suggesting that non-superconducting vortex cores may exhibit collective magnetism.
Scientists have discovered that inhibiting an enzyme involved in programmed cell death can protect brain regions from neurodegeneration in living birds. The research has the potential to help develop clinical strategies for treating strokes and human age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia.
A new study found that palm oil plantations supported few bird and butterfly species, despite efforts to increase biodiversity. Preserving natural forests was more effective in increasing species richness, but even this approach had a limited impact.
A study from MIT researchers found that a dietary cocktail combining omega-3 fatty acid, uridine, and choline improves memory and learning in gerbils. The combination is being tested in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a possible beverage-based treatment for the disease.
Researchers found that increasing sensor grid size from .5 square meters to 5.1 square meters has no significant impact on precision management outcomes. This larger grid requires fewer sensors and makes fertilizer application easier and more cost-efficient for farmers.
Recent advances in autism research have highlighted the importance of genetics in the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Scientists have identified the first autism disease genes, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treatment interventions.
Researchers are developing novel hit-to-lead drug discovery strategies utilizing a combination of high-throughput screening, miniaturization, and advanced data analysis. This approach enables the identification of promising compounds with increased efficiency, leading to faster and more effective disease treatments.
Researchers discovered young women's breast cancers share unique genomic traits, including activated gene sets that distinguish them from older woman's tumors. These findings may lead to the development of targeted therapies for younger patients.
A study found that higher levels of liver protein fetuin-A are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in older adults. The researchers measured fetuin-A levels in 519 diabetes-free individuals aged 70-79 years and found a significant association between fetuin-A and the development of diabetes.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that changes in doctors' reimbursement for chemotherapy treatments did not affect patients' access to care. The study measured patient access by looking at distance traveled and time between diagnosis and initiation of chemotherapy.
Despite controversy over potential side effects on suicidal behaviour, antidepressant use in western countries correlates with declining suicide mortality. Experts like Professor Erkki Isometsä argue for a balanced view of clinical and epidemiological facts to inform treatment decisions.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed self-moisturizing contact lenses using hyaluronic acid, a natural polymer found in the human body. This innovative approach reduces eye dryness and increases wearer comfort, offering a greener alternative to existing synthetic materials.