Neuroscientists discover that insulin-like growth factor (IGF) plays a critical role in setting up connections between chemical detectors in the nose and the brain's olfactory centers. IGF joins other molecules known to direct nerve cell growth, making it another tool for wiring up the brain.
A new study suggests that daily consumption of CocoaVia dark chocolate bars containing cocoa flavanols and plant sterols significantly lowers total cholesterol by 2 percent and LDL cholesterol by 5.3 percent in individuals with elevated cholesterol. Regular consumption also reduces systolic blood pressure by 5 percent after 8 weeks.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that people with larger stomachs in their 40s have a higher risk of dementia by age 70. The study showed that abdominal obesity in midlife is a strong predictor of dementia risk.
Researchers at U-M have developed a ballast-free ship concept that can block non-native aquatic species from entering the Great Lakes while eliminating costly sterilization equipment. The design reduces power consumption by up to 7.3% and would save shipping companies millions of dollars.
Researchers found that human umbilical cord blood cell therapy significantly reduced amyloid-β and β-amyloid plaques in mice with Alzheimer's-like disease. The treatment modulates the immune system by suppressing CD40-CD40L activity, offering potential for targeting inflammatory responses associated with degenerative conditions.
A new study found that brief, high doses of folate in rats reduced muscle tissue damage and scarred areas after a heart attack. Researchers believe folate acts as an energy reserve for the heart, providing needed energy during a blocked artery.
A recent survey conducted by University of Missouri professor David Konisky found that Americans are more concerned about local environmental issues than global warming. The top three priorities for government action are protecting community drinking water, reducing pollution of US rivers and lakes, and improving urban air pollution.
The Human Oral Microbiome Database (HOMD) is a free online compendium that provides detailed biological entries for each species and an extensive catalogue of the thousands of genes expressed by these microbes. The database aims to facilitate research into oral diseases such as tooth decay and periodontal disease.
A new study found that human umbilical cord blood cell therapy reduced amyloid-ß plaques by 62% and cerebral amyloid angiopathy by 86% in mice with Alzheimer's-like disease. The treatment targeted the pathogenic inflammatory response associated with CD40-CD40L activity.
Researchers at Uppsala University created a new method to film blood vessel cells moving in response to signals, enabling the study of cancer cell migration and nerve control. The technique can also be used to understand how desirable vessel formation occurs during wound healing.
A recent study identifies seven regions where non-native freshwater fish species make up over a quarter of the recorded species, highlighting the need for surveillance and precautionary measures. The research suggests that human economic activities are the main driving factor behind exotic species invasions in these regions.
A study suggests that accelerating efforts to provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa could prevent over 1.2 million AIDS-related deaths by 2012, with full access reducing projected deaths to 800,000. Current treatment capacity would lead to 2.4 million deaths.
A global team of experts recommends establishing guidelines for human-genome sequencing research to ensure ethical practices. Key recommendations include participant withdrawal rights and obtaining clear consent for future gene use.
Researchers have found high levels of methyl mercury in wastewater from dental clinics and offices, which can become a potent neurotoxin when exposed to sulfate-reducing bacteria. The study estimates that up to 11 pounds of methyl mercury could be entering the US public water supply each year.
Researchers found that NSAIDs up-regulate anti-metastatic genes such as SPARC and TIMP-2 in human lung cancer cells. The study reveals a novel mechanism by which NSAIDs inhibit tumor invasion and metastasis, potentially providing a new strategy for cancer treatment.
Recent data from the National Oncologic PET Registry (NOPR) shows that PET scans can dramatically change treatment plans for cancer patients, with a 36.5% change in treatment or no-treatment decisions reported.
An international team of scientists has discovered a crucial clue to the delay of animal life on Earth, suggesting that oxygen and molybdenum deficiencies in ancient oceans may have hindered complex life's evolution. The research, published in Nature, sheds light on the development of early life and its connection to ocean chemistry.
USDA scientists have developed a method to grow high-value koa trees faster while maintaining biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and scenic beauty in native Hawaiian forests. The study's findings show that low-impact silvicultural treatments increase wood production without harming native understory vegetation or bird habitats.
Researchers confirm that Pittsburgh Compound-B binds to beta-amyloid deposits found in Alzheimer's brains, enabling definitive diagnosis. The finding aids in early detection and treatment of the disease.
A UC Riverside-led study tracked biogeochemical signatures in ancient sedimentary rocks to establish the nature and timing of oxygenation in Earth's atmosphere. The research suggests that a molybdenum-depleted ocean may have retarded the development of complex life for nearly two billion years.
Researchers at Uppsala University found that protein signal transfer may occur within small proteins, contradicting a previous study using statistical methods. Experiments showed nearby parts of the protein interact more than distant parts.
A UCI-led study found that coronary calcium detection is a significant predictor of heart attack and disease for diverse groups. The non-invasive procedure uses CT scanning to detect calcium deposits in coronary arteries, which can be valuable for promoting overall cardiac health.
The project will provide fellowships to ten Stevens doctoral students per year, conducting research in multiscale engineered systems and disseminating results to high schools. The program aims to enhance STEM education and promote diversity in the engineering pipeline.
Researchers found a significant decline in muscle fibers in the diaphragm after just 18 hours of mechanical ventilation. The study's results suggest that intervening in the molecular pathway responsible for muscle wasting could lead to the development of a new pharmacological approach to safely wean patients off ventilators.
International experts recommend that infant formula should include DHA omega-3 and AA omega-6 to guarantee a correct eye and brain development. Breastfeeding is the preferred method of feeding, but when not possible, infant formula should meet specific nutrient levels.
Research at Harvard University found that drugs approved on tight FDA deadlines are more likely to face later regulatory action for safety concerns. The study suggests that a more flexible approval protocol could improve drug safety and reduce rushed approvals.
Scientists identified Lis1 gene as essential for neuroepithelial stem cell division in mice, providing insight into brain development and potential link to lissencephaly. The study suggests neural migration defects may be caused by defects in other processes like proliferation and division.
A new study found that individuals are motivated to increase their level of anger when expecting to complete a confrontational task, which enhances performance. Participants preferred activities making them angry before playing the game in such situations.
In experiments, chimpanzees showed an ability to recognize and generalize behavioral traits in strangers, forming reputation judgments based on observation. This finding suggests that chimps may possess a system for attributing reputation, a crucial feature of cooperative exchanges.
Researchers discovered that astrocytes play a crucial role in cannabinoid signaling, interacting with neurons through endocannabinoid-glutamate signaling. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments for cannabinoid-related drug abuse.
A University of Michigan researcher found that concerns about safety are the main reason fewer than 13% of US children walk or bike to school. A greener environment with wide sidewalks and trees can increase parental willingness to allow kids to walk to school.
A large multicenter study suggests new genetic markers for Crohn's disease, specifically affecting the Ashkenazi Jewish population. The study found evidence of genes causing familial Crohn's Disease on chromosomes 1 and 3, as well as a previously unidentified region on chromosome 13.
A study published in Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health found that pathological gamblers exhibit cognitive rigidity, which hinders their ability to learn from mistakes. This rigidity affects the prefrontal region of the brain, leading to impulsive behavior and compulsive gambling.
Dr. Joe Z. Tsien's research identifies critical memory genes and manipulates them to enhance or impair memory in mice, shedding light on the molecular basis of learning and memory. His work also explores the role of teamwork and neural activity in intelligence, with potential applications for treating diseases like Alzheimer's.
A study found that compassion meditation changes the brain's structure, making individuals more empathetic to others' mental states. The research suggests that long-term meditators show increased activity in areas linked to emotion detection and sharing, supporting the development of skills promoting happiness and compassion.
Researchers found a significant delay in the evolution of animal life due to low levels of oxygen and molybdenum in ancient deep oceans. This discovery provides new insights into the environmental conditions that led to the emergence of animal life.
A study of 6,583 people found that those with larger stomachs in their 40s were nearly three times more likely to develop dementia by age 70. Abdominal obesity was associated with a higher risk of dementia regardless of weight status or existing health conditions.
According to the third annual Alzheimer’s Foundation of America ICAN: Investigating Caregivers’ Attitudes and Needs Survey, most 'sandwich caregivers' say their children aged 8-21 are involved in caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Children assist with tasks such as attending doctors' appointments, feeding, and dressing, w...
A new report suggests that switching from a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to a non-SSRI antidepressant may be more effective for treating symptoms of major depressive disorder. However, the effectiveness and tolerability of this approach varied depending on the individual.
Studies reveal that word order affects language production, with French speakers using a different syntax than English speakers. Additionally, researchers find commonalities in naming patterns for locomotion across languages, suggesting universal rules and constraints.
Myopia research reveals no link between glasses-wearing and introversion, but a small association with Agreeableness; good eye care is key, dispelling preconceived notions about wearing glasses
Scientists have discovered two proteins that guide pathogenic bacteria's outer shell development, paving the way for new antibiotic targets. Researchers aim to create small molecule inhibitors to disable this mechanism, potentially leading to effective treatments against E. coli and salmonella.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have been awarded a $6.5 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop a new anti-microbial compound targeting bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli. The goal is to combat increasing microbial resistance to antibiotics.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer confirms hairdressing and barbering as probably carcinogenic occupations, primarily due to exposure to permanent hair dyes. The use of certain colorants in these products has been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer among male hairdressers and barbers.
A new study published in Health Physics found that exposure to low levels of radon gas may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, with a 60% reduction observed at certain levels. The study involved nearly 600 Massachusetts homes and adjusted for factors such as smoking and education.
A new study found that family wealth is positively associated with parenting behavior, home environment, and children's self-esteem. Family wealth accumulated from different sources also has a distinct influence on children at different developmental stages.
A Norwegian study found that individuals born preterm were at increased risk of death throughout childhood, with a significantly higher mortality rate for boys born between 22-27 weeks. Additionally, preterm birth was associated with diminished reproductive capacity in adulthood, particularly among women.
A study of 871 students found that those who bullied others had difficulties in friendships and parent-child relationships, often displaying aggressive behavior. Interventions should focus on bullying children's social skills and relationship problems to prevent persistent bullying.
A new study confirms Djarthia, Australia's earliest known marsupial, is a primitive relative of the Monito del Monte, a South American marsupial also believed to be a living fossil. The findings suggest the Monito del Monte may have returned to Australia from South America before Gondwana broke up.
Researchers reconstructed neural network in Drosophila's medulla, identifying full complement of neurons involved in color vision processing. The study provides a paradigm for understanding how color vision is processed in more complex systems, such as vertebrates.
A new study found that while MRI has a high false positive rate, it still detects genuine breast cancer cases effectively. However, the rate of false positives does not impact a woman's decision to undergo prophylactic mastectomy.
Researchers found that people's brains interpret visual stimulation based on assumptions about their environment. In a study examining how the brain and eye work together, participants were shown a jumping target that appeared in different locations within concentric circles.
Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that organic alfalfa and wheat can be as productive as conventional systems. Organic grain crops, such as corn and soybeans, also yielded 90% of their conventional counterparts in terms of dry matter production.
Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that the malaria parasite uses a two-step process for reproduction, which could lead to a new type of vaccine. By blocking one protein, they were able to stop the spread of the disease in mice and mosquitoes.
A study by University College London found that beta-blockers slow heart failure progression through direct brain action, challenging existing views on their mechanism. The research suggests targeting the central nervous system may lead to novel treatments for cardiovascular disease.
The use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) increased substantially from 1998 to 2005, but disparities persist in access to the procedure. Non-white women, older women, and those living in poorer areas were less likely to receive SLNB than their counterparts, highlighting uneven access to this less-invasive breast cancer staging test.
A review of 75 group-randomized cancer trials found that fewer than half used appropriate statistical methods to analyze results. The studies' flawed designs may have led to incorrect conclusions about intervention effectiveness.
Researchers found that resveratrol induces pancreatic cancer cell death by crippling the mitochondria's energy function, leading to apoptosis. The study suggests that moderate red wine consumption may not be contraindicated during chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Researchers found clumps of previously-unreported callus hairs growing in mature apples, which may impact commercial growers' storage strategies. The presence of these hairs could reduce the efficiency of gas transport through fruit, leading to internal browning.
Researchers at Harvard University discovered that bdelloid rotifers are extremely resistant to ionizing radiation, surviving doses much higher than other animal species can tolerate. The findings could lead to new research into the role of free radicals in inflammation, cancer, and aging.