Researchers found that a delicate balance of promotion and inhibition is required to generate diverse types of neurons. By studying motor neuron development in mice, they identified key regulatory factors and discovered a repressor function that blocks alternative pathways.
A high-dose immunosuppressant drug has been shown to reduce disease activity and disability in individuals with aggressive multiple sclerosis. The study found a significant reduction in disability of 39.4% and improvement in physical and mental function scores.
A new study published in PLoS Biology uses magnetoencephalography to record brain activity as humans detect target tones in a complex auditory scene. The researchers find that the awareness of these sounds correlates with activity in high-level auditory regions, not the initial cortical region where sound is processed. This novel study...
A new study found that low-dose exposure to domoic acid during fetal brain development can lead to epileptic seizures and behavioral abnormalities in California sea lions. The toxin is produced by harmful algal blooms, which are increasingly common in the sea lions' habitat.
A unique case study found a 115-year-old woman had an essentially normal brain with little evidence of Alzheimer's disease. The findings question the inevitability of cognitive decline in elderly individuals and suggest potential for preserving brain function.
Researchers have identified a specific Hox gene controlling pontine neuron migration in mice. The study shows that the gene regulates the responsiveness of neurons to chemical signals, guiding them towards their final destination in the brain. Further research is needed to understand the full extent of Hox genes' role in neuronal migra...
A recent study found that language difficulties added significant misunderstandings about genetic disorders among the Bangladeshi community in Britain, particularly when it comes to testing and screening decisions. The research highlights the need for greater understanding of language barriers and their impact on patient care.
A new animal study found that boosting a specific brain protein quickly cuts excessive drinking and prevents relapse. The treatment does not block other pleasure-seeking behaviors, showing promise for a new strategy to combat alcohol abuse, addiction and especially relapse.
A study found that college students who are morning types have higher GPAs compared to those who are evening types. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and avoiding stimulants before bedtime can help improve academic performance.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that beta-endorphin peptide-producing neurons in the brain regulate stress response and immune function, controlling tumor growth. The study shows promise for therapeutic treatments to bolster the immune system.
Researchers found that solid tumor cells can adapt to chemotherapy and radiation by increasing a regulatory factor called HIF1, which drives oxygen production and growth. Blocking HIF1 may provide a clear mechanism for killing resistant tumor cells.
A study of 1938 married women found that higher levels of marital happiness were associated with fewer sleep complaints. Happily married women had less difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep compared to unhappily married women.
A new study reveals that reduced school-night sleep begins early in adolescence, even with delayed school start times. Family incomes below $40,000 were significantly associated with more delayed sleep patterns, while regular health care contact led to healthier sleep habits.
Researchers have identified a crucial protein that transports signals within neurons, shedding light on Fragile X Syndrome's impact on brain development and communication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of innovative treatments for FXS, autism, and epilepsy.
Research by Professor Jillian Birch found that cancer incidence and mortality rates decrease with increasing deprivation among teenagers and young adults. Notably, cervical cancer and melanoma show increasing rates despite being preventable.
Research by Skai W. Schwartz of the University of South Florida found that African-Americans were significantly less likely to use CPAP at all time points compared to Caucasians and Asians. The study, which focused on 1,486 patients prescribed and tried CPAP between 2003-2007, highlights a disparity in adherence rates among different r...
Research from the American Museum of Natural History shows that global warming is causing species in Madagascar's mountainous north to move up tropical mountains as their habitats shift upward. The study found an average shift of 19-51 meters over a decade, linked to temperature increases of 0.1°C to 0.37°C.
Researchers found that individuals who expect to be treated with prejudice are more likely to perceive rejection and contempt on faces expressing similar emotions. This study highlights the importance of considering both sides' expectations and perceptions in improving communications between diverse populations.
Bioscience Hypotheses is a new journal focused on stimulating innovation through radical hypotheses. The journal aims to publish papers that deliver new insight into biology and provide testable conclusions.
A study found that war veterans with insomnia preferred a combination of relaxation therapy, stimulus control instructions, and sleep education. The veterans also favored electronic approaches such as MP3 files and the Internet to deliver non-pharmacological treatment.
Anne L. Peters, MD, CDE, received the American Diabetes Association's Outstanding Physician Clinician Award for her dedication to improving diabetes care, particularly in underserved populations. She has made significant contributions to the field through her research and clinical work.
A USC study found that genetic variants of FTO and Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) are associated with higher triglyceride levels and lower HDL cholesterol in Mexican-American participants. The study suggests that these genetic interactions may play a vital role in the development of disease, particularly diabetes.
A new species of catfish, Rhinodoras gallagheri, has been named in honor of Frank Gallagher, a retired Academy of Natural Sciences mailroom supervisor. The Orinoco thicklip catfish was discovered in the Academy's collection and is found in the Orinoco basin in Venezuela and Colombia.
A study by Tracy L. Rupp found that extending nightly sleep duration improves alertness and performance during subsequent sleep restriction and facilitates faster recovery. The research suggests that individual differences in resilience to sleep loss are partly a function of modifiable long-term sleep habits.
Researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center identified five proteins that may be useful tools in detecting early-stage pancreatic tumors. The panel of proteins discriminated between pancreatic cancer cases and controls in blood specimens, suggesting a potential role in early detection.
Research highlights importance of distinguishing between tropical cyclones and extra-tropical storms, with a focus on raindrop size distribution. This distinction can help weather forecasters better estimate rainfall intensity and reduce flash flooding.
A four-year study found that adults who took a daily calcium supplement experienced significantly fewer bone fractures than those who received a placebo. Maintaining calcium intake is crucial to sustain benefits, but the effects disappeared after four years.
A USC study found that progressive weight gain in Hispanic women is a key factor in the decline of beta cell function, leading to rising glucose levels and an increased risk of developing diabetes. The study's findings highlight the importance of reducing excess fat to prevent or delay diabetes.
A review of heart bypass patients in Ontario hospitals found that 111 deaths (32%) might have been prevented with better care. Many preventable deaths were related to lapses in established procedures, highlighting the need for quality improvement initiatives.
Researchers have discovered a family of transporters called NIPs that can move arsenite across plant cell membranes, reducing toxic arsenic content. The findings suggest that some NIPs can even clear cells of toxic arsenite, potentially enabling plant detoxification.
A study found that students who slept less than eight hours per night had lower GPAs and were more likely to experience emotional disturbances. The research suggests that getting enough sleep is crucial for adolescents' psychological functioning and can have serious consequences.
Research reveals that children with depressive and anxiety disorders are more likely to suffer from sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep, insomnia, and fragmented sleep patterns. The study highlights the importance of addressing sleep patterns in conjunction with emotional disorders for effective care and treatment.
Researchers suggest that increasing white blood cell count or enhancing infected cells' interaction with the immune system could be effective strategies for developing vaccines or treatments specifically for elderly TB patients. Aging affects the immune response, leading to a slower and less effective fight against the infection.
A new study reveals that individuals with higher working memory capacity are more likely to make consistent moral judgments and consider consequences of their actions. This capacity helps control emotional reactions, allowing for deliberate processing and rational decision-making.
Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have discovered that the microenvironment of blood-forming tissues plays a critical role in promoting leukemia progression and determining disease type in mixed lineage leukemias (MLL). The study, which used human-based MLL models in mice, suggests that disrupting the protein ...
A study of 2,273 registered nurses found that adverse work schedules, including shift work, overtime, and on-call shifts, significantly impact sleep quality. Nurses with inadequate sleep experience increased risk of needlestick injuries and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as long-term health consequences.
Scientists have uncovered a cellular signaling mechanism that determines whether an embryo develops into an embryo or a placenta. By manipulating a specific gene, they were able to cause embryonic stem cells to differentiate into trophoblastic stem cells, which give rise to the placenta.
A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that critical care nurses experience fatigue, nausea, and irritability when deprived of sleep. The researchers recommend developing napping strategies that consider organizational, domestic, and individual demands to support nurse health and patient safety.
A study by the University of Southern California suggests that abdominal fat releases lipids directly to the liver at night, leading to insulin resistance and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings highlight the importance of abdominal obesity in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Research suggests that OSA patients' beliefs and expectations about CPAP treatment play a significant role in adherence. Higher outcome expectancies, functional limitations due to sleepiness, and lower risk perception are associated with better CPAP adherence.
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind study found that Chinese red yeast rice reduced the risk of repeat heart attacks and cardiovascular mortality by one-third. The study showed a significant reduction in cancer mortality as well.
Pediatric cardiac surgeons used stereoscopic glasses to visualize the heart in real-time during surgeries, resulting in improved accuracy and speed. The new technique showed a 44% reduction in time spent on anchor placement compared to traditional 3D ultrasound guidance.
Teenagers who excessively use their cell phones are more prone to disrupted sleep, restlessness, stress, and fatigue. The study found that young people with excessive mobile phone use behave like larks rather than owls, suggesting a delayed biological clock. It is recommended that adolescents get nine hours of nightly sleep.
Research highlights association between poor sleep quality, insomnia, and increased suicidal symptoms among young adults. Insomnia and poor sleep quality jointly predicted elevated suicidal symptoms, even after controlling for depression.
Beyond Traditional Borders, a global health program at Rice University, is sending 17 students to Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America to tackle health issues such as HIV/AIDS. The interns will work in schools, clinics, hospitals, and town councils using education and technology to solve problems.
A two-year-old mud volcano in Indonesia was triggered by drilling operations, according to a detailed scientific analysis published this week. The study disproves the theory that an earthquake was responsible for the eruption.
Researchers found that a single dose of antibiotics can prevent most infections and wound-healing complications two weeks after surgical repair of severe vaginal tears. This study is the first to show that antibiotic treatment can aid healing of these tears, which are common during childbirth.
Researchers in India have developed a comprehensive framework for gait recognition by computer, using statistical analysis and height measurements to classify individuals. The system can identify threats from a considerable distance, giving personnel more time to react before a suspect becomes a real threat.
Topiramate effectively decreases heavy drinking and associated physical and psychosocial harm, including lower blood pressure and improved liver function. The medication also shows promise in reducing the risk of heart disease and improving overall quality of life for alcohol-dependent individuals.
New research from ACS Nano explores innovative applications of nanotechnology, such as increasing power conversion efficiencies in solar cells and targeting nanoparticles for gene delivery. The journal also discusses rapid toxicity evaluation methods and the use of nanotubes with nanomotors to enhance speed.
A new study reports finding persistent organic pollutants in deep-sea cephalopods, including octopods and squids. The presence of these chemicals suggests contamination of the deep-ocean food web is occurring, with significant implications for marine life.
A recent meta-analysis found that smoking is associated with increased risk of poor memory among middle-age adults. Long-term ex-smokers also showed improvement in other health behaviors after quitting smoking.
A study found that higher neighborhood socioeconomic factors and social support are associated with better continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence. Patients from disadvantaged neighborhoods spent less time using their CPAP machines, highlighting the need to address challenges in accessing effective treatment.
A study of 290 dental patients found bacteria in the blood after tooth brushing and extractions, but with lower incidence than expected. The researchers suggest that good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of heart valve infection by reducing gingival disease and bacterial species associated with IE.
A study by Harvard Medical School found significant racial disparities in diabetes care across individual physicians, with black patients experiencing less ideal outcomes. Adjusting for patient characteristics did not eliminate the disparities, highlighting the need for system-wide solutions to address these issues.
Researchers identified a genetic variation associated with an earlier age of onset in Alzheimer's disease, which affects the brain's tau protein levels. The study suggests that these variations lead to higher tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid and earlier cognitive problems once amyloid plaques form.
Sub-Saharan Africa faces frequent stock interruptions of essential drugs for managing non-communicable diseases. Implementing standardized approaches to NCD management, as seen in TB control, can improve patient care and outcomes. A five-point framework called DOTS provides lessons for NCD control.
A study of 1,529 college students found that those involved in extracurricular activities were more likely to experience insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and reduced sleep duration. The study suggests a 'dose-related' association between extra-curricular activity hours and sleep quality.
Postpartum mothers of twins suffer from severe sleep deprivation, averaging only 5.4 hours of sleep per day. Over 70% report less than six hours of sleep, with fragmented and short sleep episodes. Depressive symptoms are common, affecting almost half of the mothers, but improve over time as they develop a routine and find ways to rest.
A new study highlights the dangers of nicotine use among narcoleptics, who are at a higher risk of burns and nicotine addiction due to excessive sleepiness. The study found that 75% of respondents experienced burns while smoking, and many struggled to quit due to worsening sleepiness.