Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's CEET have discovered that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can lead to mutations in critical genes in lung cancer through oxidative stress. PAHs transform into oxygen free radicals, which bind to DNA and cause damage if not repaired.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a fruit fly protein called Argos that acts as a decoy receptor to neutralize tumor growth factors. This discovery may lead to new cancer drug designs by mimicking the silent binding of growth factors, similar to existing treatments like Avastin.
A new statistical tool could help explain gene study variations by tracing coding sequences of genes to a single ancestral copy, accounting for genetic differences among subpopulations. Researchers will use this approach to analyze data from an existing database on stroke risk in black children, improving disease diagnosis and treatment.
The DIABIMMUNE project investigates the relationship between high living standards, immune system development, and the emergence of autoimmune diseases and allergies. The study focuses on Finnish and Russian Karelian children, finding that high living standards promote the development of these conditions.
Researchers at Florida State University have discovered a novel superconducting material that operates at relatively high temperatures and tolerates high magnetic fields, making it suitable for a range of applications. The discovery offers promise for improving MRI machines, research magnets, and electric motors.
A new study reveals that longer, more complex crop rotations increase organic corn yields by 30%, while also improving soybean yields. The results show that diverse crop systems can help address production challenges in organic grain crop production.
Pasko Rakic's work has revealed how neurons in the developing cerebral cortex are generated and assembled into highly ordered circuits. His discoveries have transformed our understanding of brain function and development, with implications for treatments of brain disorders.
A USC study found that pre-menopausal women with metastatic colorectal cancer lived longer than younger men, while older women had significantly worse overall survival. The study also showed ethnic differences in survival rates, with Hispanics and Asians having better outcomes than Caucasians and African-Americans.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a monkey that can feed itself using only its brain signals. The advancement in brain-machine interface technology could lead to better prosthetics for people with spinal cord injuries and those with locked-in conditions.
A new study conducted by the Medical College of Wisconsin researchers found that sedentary high school girls are at a significant risk for developing osteoporosis. The study discovered that nearly 78% of female high school athletes and 65% of non-athletes display components of the female athlete triad, including low bone mineral density.
Researchers at NIST discovered iron-based superconductors with magnetism similar to copper-oxide materials. These similarities suggest a critical interplay between magnetism and superconductivity in high-temperature superconductors.
Women who have taken menopausal hormone therapy before are at a 37% higher risk of breast cancer than those who never used it. The risk is highest when taking combined estrogen and progestin therapies, with an increased risk by 73% during use.
Researchers found NSAID use reduced Alzheimer's disease risk by 23% compared to non-users. The type of NSAID did not affect the risk reduction, challenging current theories about ibuprofen's benefits.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing found that stretching exercises reduced preeclampsia incidence by less than 5% compared to walking. The study suggests that stretching may be a protective effect against preeclampsia, particularly for women with a high risk of developing the condition.
The world's fastest-growing mud volcano, Lusi, is collapsing and could subside to depths of over 140 meters, according to new research from Durham University. The volcano, which erupted in 2006, has caused significant damage and displacement, with 14 people killed and 30,000 evacuated.
A study by ASPS found that rejuvenating or returning volume to the deep fat compartment in cheeks makes the cheek more youthful and improves volume loss under the eyes, eliminating 'parentheses' lines around the nose and mouth.
UCLA researchers found that smokers who ingested high levels of flavonoids had a lower risk of developing lung cancer. Flavonoids are water-soluble plant pigments with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A University of South Florida study found that protein MAEBL is essential for malaria parasites to invade mosquito salivary glands, allowing transmission to humans. By silencing the receptor for MAEBL, researchers hope to block passage of the parasite through mosquitoes.
A UCR-led research team found that an abrupt release of methane triggered global warming and ended the last 'snowball' ice age. The study suggests that methane clathrate destabilization acted as a runaway feedback to increased warming.
Researchers at Kew Gardens are testing a sensor device that gathers crucial data on air temperature, humidity, and soil moisture to help farmers in Africa make informed decisions about planting and harvesting. The device aims to optimize crop yields, reduce waste, and improve food security for local communities.
A new study by Dr. Martha Turner and colleagues found that patients with confabulation, a condition where memories are distorted after brain damage, all shared damage to the inferior medial prefrontal cortex. This discovery sheds light on how the human brain controls memory and distinguishes true from false recollections.
Researchers at Caltech identified a sugar molecule produced by beneficial gut bacteria that induces immune cells to produce anti-inflammatory molecules, potentially treating inflammatory bowel diseases. The discovery suggests a new approach to treating human diseases linked to the loss of beneficial microbial interactions with our bodies.
A team of Japanese scientists has designed the world's first optical pacemaker for laboratory research, utilizing powerful laser pulses to regulate heart muscle cell contractions. This breakthrough technique may aid in understanding uncoordinated heart contractions and developing anti-fibrillation drugs.
USC researchers have identified specific genetic markers in cancer cells that predict the benefit of a novel cancer drug. The study suggests that patients with tumors exhibiting these gene expression profiles may experience increased patient benefit from the incorporation of the drug into their treatment.
Diporeia, a small crustacean, has declined dramatically in Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes, threatening the ecosystem and $4 billion sport fishing industry. Researchers are exploring possible causes, including invasive mussels and pollutants like pesticides and PCBs.
Seven pioneering scientists recognized for transforming human knowledge in nanoscience, neuroscience and astrophysics. The Kavli prizes have been awarded to seven scientists who have advanced our understanding of ultra-small matter properties, brain circuitry and quasars.
A cross-disciplinary research team from Harvard University, Whitehead Institute, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard has uncovered significant new information about the molecular changes that underlie direct reprogramming. The researchers found that most cells fail to reprogram due to activation of normal 'fail safe' mechanisms.
Sullivan is working to design synthetic DNA delivery materials that mimic elements of histone architecture, which can protect and direct payloads during transport. She aims to develop materials that trigger the release and functionality of cargo DNA once it reaches its target site.
A new analysis by the March of Dimes found that nearly all increases in singleton preterm births in the US are due to c-section deliveries. Late preterm babies account for most of this rise, with a greater risk of complications such as breathing problems and delayed brain development.
A team of researchers, led by Stephanie Wachter and Vikram Dwarkadas, investigated the mysterious ring surrounding magnetar SGR 1900+14. They concluded that a powerful flare from the magnetar formed the ring, which measures seven light-years across.
Researchers found that prucalopride significantly improved bowel movements and quality of life for patients with severe chronic constipation. The study involved 620 patients who received either prucalopride or a placebo, showing that nearly half took notice in their bowel movements per week.
Researchers have elucidated the structure and function of an enzyme decorating antibiotics with sugar molecules, which can help overcome antibiotic resistance. By understanding how these sugars are made, they aim to develop unnatural sugars with different properties.
A study published in Nutrition Research shows Pycnogenol improves diabetes control and reduces antihypertensive medications. The extract lowered blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure in patients with type II diabetes, suggesting it may serve as a potent adjunct to prescription medications.
A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that after massive weight loss, the majority of patients desire body contouring plastic surgery. Younger, divorced women who had minimally-invasive gastric bypass surgery showed the strongest interest in these procedures. Additionally, breast reconstruction studies revealed that...
A Binghamton University researcher will receive a $1.33 million NIH grant to study the side effects of Parkinson's disease treatment, with a focus on reducing dyskinesia and suppressing abnormal motor movements. The research aims to develop new treatments that can address these issues and improve patient outcomes.
Studies revealed that people's brains respond differently to unfairness, with the orbital frontal cortex reacting to giving and the insula processing inequity. The findings suggest that a basic impulse to be fair is hardwired in humans, driven by emotional responses.
New research published in 'Significance' magazine finds that UK school league tables are based on flawed methodology, leading to inaccurate judgments of a school's quality. The study suggests that the tables do not provide sufficient evidence to support institutional choice or accountability.
Astronomers have detected a giant ring around a rare and exotic star known as a magnetar, which was likely produced by a massive flare. The discovery provides valuable insights into the phenomenon associated with magnetars, a type of neutron star with incredibly strong magnetic fields.
Researchers found that topical retinoic acid, carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, and injections of cross-linked hyaluronic acid improve skin's appearance and resistance to bruising by stimulating new collagen production. Collagen collapse is a key factor in skin aging, but fibroblast cells can recover and make more collagen.
A molecule produced by gut bacteria, called polysaccharide A (PSA), has been shown to eliminate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in animal models. PSA promotes immune system cells to secrete IL-10, which suppresses inflammation caused by IBD.
A new study by University of Georgia researchers found that child maltreatment is associated with significant reductions in quality of life even decades later. The study analyzed surveys of over 6,000 people and found that victims lose at least two years of quality-adjusted life expectancy.
A new vaccine approach using microspheres has prevented and reversed new-onset cases of type 1 diabetes in animal models. The microspheres, developed by the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, reprogram dendritic cells to block the immune system's attack on insulin-producing beta cells.
Researchers at UT Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered new superconducting materials with higher temperatures than conventional ones. The study found that these materials share a common trait with other high-temperature superconductors, shedding light on the tie between magnetism and superconductivity.
Gabapentin has been shown to normalize the action of brain cells altered by chronic alcohol abuse in an area known as the central amygdala. The study found that gabapentin reduced anxiety-like behaviors and decreased the strength of inhibitory synapses in dependent rats, but not in non-dependent rats.
A study found that variations in eyebrow shape, eyelid position, and wrinkles impact perceived facial expressions and mood. Drooping of the upper eyelid was a key indicator of tiredness, while altering eyebrows and forehead wrinkles changed perceptions of anger and happiness.
Amyloid fibrils, bundles of ordered protein filaments, display remarkable mechanical properties and have potential as nanomaterials. They can be tailored and biocompatible, making them suitable for surfaces in medical technology and drug delivery systems.
Researchers Luís Bettencourt and Ruy Ribeiro create a novel approach to reading subtle changes in epidemiological data to predict disease spread. The tool provides real-time transmission probabilities for emerging diseases, enabling public health experts to implement quarantine policies and provide medical resources.
A team of researchers from Iowa State University and the University of Hawai'i have developed a fungus that can remove organic material and solids from thin stillage, allowing for greater water recycling and reducing energy costs. This process could save ethanol producers up to $800 million a year in energy costs.
Scientists use A-Train sensors to find that polluted clouds in South America produce less rain during dry season. The study suggests aerosol pollution suppresses rainfall due to smaller ice particles not growing large enough to fall as rain.
Samoa has been reinstated as a primary hotspot trail based on new data, confirming its age progression and eliminating arguments against a plume origin. High-resolution climate recordings suggest extreme storm events' effects on landscapes and carbon dioxide levels. Meanwhile, research also explores icebergs along the southern US Atlan...
A recent analysis found that most US health news stories have major failings in reporting, including inadequate discussion of costs, harms, and benefits. The study graded 500 US health news stories, resulting in a high rate of poor reporting, highlighting the need for improved standards in health journalism.
Researchers at the University of Oregon found that manipulating excitons in a semiconductor material can control electron spin, providing a new method for selectively manipulating spins. This discovery may prove useful in emerging optic devices and quantum computers.
The Caribbean region has a high burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) due to poverty. A proposed $1 tourist tax could fund disease control efforts and is supported by industry donations of low-cost generic drugs.
Christine Jacobs-Wagner, a leading expert on bacteria, has been designated an HHMI investigator for her pioneering work on the internal mechanisms of bacteria. Her research has led to new insights into human illnesses and survival strategies of ancient organisms.
A study found that childhood lead exposure is associated with decreased brain volume in adulthood, particularly in men. The greatest brain volume loss was seen in participants with the highest lead exposure in childhood. This suggests that early lead exposure may disrupt brain development and result in persistent alterations.
A survey of Medicare patients found that higher medical care spending was not associated with better quality of care. In fact, those in lower-expenditure areas reported similar perceptions of quality and rated their overall care highly, regardless of spending levels.
Researchers reviewing randomized trials found that antioxidant supplementation may reduce overall survival in patients receiving radiotherapy. Conversely, no clear evidence suggests that antioxidant treatment increases tumor response rates during chemotherapy.
A recent PNAS study reveals that temperature drives biodiversity in tropical regions, contradicting previous assumptions that light was the key factor. The study found that bacterial samples from warm waters contained many species, suggesting that photosynthesis has little influence on diversity.
Brian Scassellati's grant will fund development of prosody-recognition software, allowing untrained users to provide feedback to robots. This technology enables robots to recognize and respond to the rhythms, patterns, and intonation of speech.
The Yale team has engineered a P4P system that enables cooperative delivery of data between ISPs and Peer-to-Peer software providers. This reduces the cost to ISPs and improves the performance of P2P applications, with field tests showing a 34% reduction in inter-ISP traffic and up to 898% increase in delivery speeds.