A study by NYU dental researchers found that pregnant women with periodontal disease are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. The study, led by Dr. Ananda P. Dasanayake, followed 256 women and found a significant link between gum disease and inflammation and the onset of gestational diabetes.
Researchers designed an enzyme for a specific reaction using computational design, but the synthetic enzyme was less efficient than naturally occurring ones. However, by allowing the enzyme to undergo 'evolution in a test tube,' they were able to improve its efficiency 200-fold and increase reaction rates by a million-fold.
Researchers at Kansas State University have validated a new method to destroy pathogens in beef jerky production, making it safer for consumers. The process involves additional drying time at 68 degrees Celsius to ensure both E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella are eliminated.
Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels in soybeans attracted more adult Japanese beetles, Western corn rootworms, and Asian soybean aphids. The study suggests that global environmental change is multifaceted, with increased insect damage due to impaired plant defenses.
Researchers found that Staph aureus produces lactic acid in the presence of nitric oxide, allowing it to thrive. This mechanism makes it difficult for our bodies to defend against the bacteria, making traditional antibiotics less effective.
Activating OX40 protein in mice eliminates existing tumors and prevents new ones from forming, suggesting its potential as an anti-cancer therapy. The approach may mitigate the risk of autoimmune disease, as the mice showed no signs of autoimmunity.
Yang's project aims to create ultra-high-speed single electron memory devices based on CNTs, which could replace silicon transistors in future electronics. The team will investigate novel in-plane CNT structures for high-speed and low-power applications.
A new mathematical model could revolutionize how scientists study cellular signaling pathways, potentially leading to more effective treatments for cancer and other diseases. The model takes advantage of today's computing power to provide a superior tool for understanding the complex interactions between cell signals.
A study from Tufts University reveals a digital skills divide among socio-economic groups, affecting parents' ability to access trustworthy child development information. Parents in higher SES groups outperform lower SES counterparts in evaluating search engines and building searches.
Researchers have identified a finely tuned control system in Pseudomonas bacteria that enables them to form biofilms, which contribute to chronic infections. The WspR enzyme plays a crucial role in this process, and its regulation helps balance the production of c-di-GMP.
A pilot study tracked the movement of 14- to 16-year-old girls using GPS-enabled cell phones, revealing they spend more time away from home and school than anticipated. The study aims to learn about the characteristics of environments that influence health behaviors.
A study found that hospitals participating in clinical trials have better quality of care, lower mortality rates, and improved processes for treating acute coronary syndrome. Patients treated at these hospitals had significantly better outcomes compared to those treated at non-participating hospitals.
A recent study analyzed data from over 216,000 patients in completed phase 3 randomized clinical trials. The results showed that new cancer treatments were found to be slightly superior to standard treatments in terms of patient outcomes such as survival.
UC Davis scientists discovered how salmonella becomes lethal for AIDS patients by finding the defect in immune response that allows it to cross the gut barrier and infect other organs. The study suggests Th17 cells play a crucial role in the inflammatory response, recruiting immune system cells to the site of infection.
Graphene outperforms silicon in terms of mobility, allowing for high-speed electronic devices and biochemical sensors. Researchers found that thermal vibrations have a small effect on electrons in graphene, making it promising for various applications.
Researchers have identified promising new drug targets for Huntington's disease, which can stimulate autophagy and alleviate the toxicity of malformed proteins. Candidate drugs include verapamil and clonidine, which have been shown to be safe and effective in cell-based models.
A study published in Nature reveals that the protein REST maintains self-renewal and pluripotency in embryonic stem cells by suppressing a specific microRNA called miR-21. This discovery has implications for regenerative medicine and treating diseases, including pediatric brain cancer.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have identified a unique language feature in the human brain that differs from our closest living relative, the chimpanzee. The study used DTI to compare human brain structures and found a larger and more widespread projection of fibers in the middle temporal lobe.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have successfully used therapeutic cloning to treat Parkinson's disease in mice. The method involves generating customized dopamine neurons from the patient's own skin cells and transplanting them into the mouse, resulting in neurological improvement.
Kansas State University faculty members have contributed to the sequencing of the red flour beetle genome, a breakthrough that will aid research on genetics and insect pest management. The study was led by Stephen Richards at Baylor College of Medicine and involved over 100 scientists from 14 countries.
A Medical College study on pitching mound height provides insight into baseball injuries. The study found that pitchers using a 10-inch mound experience increased stress on the shoulder joint, leading to potential injuries such as rotator cuff tears or labrum damage.
The study reveals that the switch is bistable, maintaining its on state even without external signals, and provides clues for novel drug targets for cancer and other diseases. The findings have implications for understanding cell fate decisions and the process of cell death.
Researchers aim to create genetic profile of Streptoccocus mutans bacterium to predict disease in children from diverse backgrounds. The study's findings will propel the development of a diagnostic test to prevent devastating consequences of early childhood caries.
A Michigan State University researcher is leading a study on insecticide-treated bed nets to disrupt mosquito populations and reduce malaria transmission. The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bed nets over time and monitor changes in parasite populations and virulence factors.
Researchers are turning to advanced technologies like membrane bioreactors, nanoscale filtration, and desalination to provide clean water globally. A coordinated approach is needed to tackle complex water issues, with international cooperation key to addressing the crisis before it worsens.
Researchers can translate complex concepts into clear 3D images, enabling new insights and recognition of patterns. The VisWall system combines advanced features to produce ultra-high resolution images with the ability to touch and manipulate data.
A 19-year longitudinal study found that childhood personality types, including resilient, overcontrolled, and undercontrolled traits, are associated with the timing of important transitions into adulthood. Resilient individuals tend to leave their parents' house earlier and find a romantic partner faster.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have identified a crucial signaling protein Gi that protects the heart during a heart attack. Blocking this protein increases heart damage in genetically engineered mice experiencing heart attacks.
Researchers have produced the first detailed analysis of a hominoid-only gene, TBC1D3, which is linked to cancer. The study found that the protein helps turn on RAS, a protein active in a third of all human cancers. Further research aims to uncover the functions of human-only genes and their potential applications in fighting diseases.
The Enterprise Initiative will analyze the role of enterprise in simulating economic growth, inequality, and poverty reduction using high-quality models based on massive survey data from Thailand and other emerging economies. The project aims to provide policy solutions and shed light on circumstances that lead to entrepreneurial growth.
A study by Case Western Reserve University psychologist found that skills play a significant role in winning at poker, rather than luck. The research involved college students playing multiple rounds of Turbo Texas Hold'em, with those given strategies performing better and improving their games.
A new study has shed light on the cause of cataracts, revealing that tiny pieces of crystallin proteins become toxic during aging. Researchers also found that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) aggregates are composed of just one protein: superoxide dismutase (SOD1).
Researchers discover nanominerals have a significant impact on Earth's systems, influencing climate, ecosystems and human health through their unique properties. Nanoparticles play a crucial role in the lives of ocean-dwelling phytoplankton, affecting carbon cycling and global temperatures.
Researchers present applications of radar technology for exploring water beneath the surface, addressing soil erosion, groundwater depletion, and pollution. GPR-derived dielectric permittivity is used as a surrogate measure for soil water content, providing high-resolution subsurface images.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can replicate the bat's ability to classify plants using echolocation. The study found that plant echoes are highly complex signals due to numerous reflections from leaves and branches.
A recent study found that infection with a mutated HIV strain is linked to improved survival in people who are newly infected. The researchers identified two specific mutations, A146X and T242N, which were associated with lower viral loads and higher CD4+ counts.
Researchers found that human red blood cells use the protein Glut1 to transport DHA, allowing efficient antioxidant production, while other mammals lack this trait. The discovery sheds light on how humans adapt to an 'inborn' metabolic error.
A new study reveals that attractive women's preferences for partners are influenced by their own physical attractiveness, calibrating their standards across multiple characteristics. Women seek a balanced combination of good genes, resources, parenting proclivities, and emotional commitment in their partners.
The anti-arthritis drug tocilizumab has been proven effective in two separate trials involving both adults and children. In the adult trial, patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis showed significant improvements in signs of RA. In the pediatric trial, children and young adults with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arth...
A recent study found that adolescents with chronic insomnia are more likely to experience drug use, depression, and school work difficulties. The study, which involved over 3,000 teenagers, also suggests that primary care settings may be an effective venue for screening and early intervention of adolescent insomnia.
A team of researchers, led by Ted Goebel and Michael R. Waters, revises the timeline of early American arrival, proposing a 15,000-year-old migration from Alaska. New data synthesizes genetic, archaeological, and skeletal evidence to explain the complex process of peopling America.
Researchers used mutations of NS5A phosphoprotein to disrupt virus particle production at an early stage of assembly, preventing infectious virus release. This finding offers a research tool and potential target for developing new anti-virals for treating hepatitis C.
A new study published in the Journal of School Health reveals that children with healthier diets outperform their peers academically. The research found students with higher fruit and vegetable intake and lower fat consumption were less likely to fail literacy assessments.
A NASA satellite has detected a record-breaking gamma ray burst explosion halfway across the universe. The explosion was seen with the naked eye from Earth, shattering previous records and providing insights into the universe's most distant objects.
In Kenya, ethnic violence linked to land tenure claims has led to a fierce situation of fire and fighting, particularly in the Rift Valley. The Majimbo ideology, built on regional homogeneity, justifies political supremacy and local land tenure, leading to xenophobic feelings.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have found that insulin inhibits a master gene regulator protein, SKN-1, which controls the Phase 2 detoxification pathway. Increased SKN-1 activity increases lifespan, providing potential insights into increasing resistance to chronic diseases and influencing longevity.
The APIC Research Foundation's first national C. difficile prevalence study aims to gain a better understanding of the spread of this virulent pathogen, which causes diarrhea and serious intestinal conditions. The study will provide the first national estimate of C. difficile infection in U.S. healthcare facilities.
Researchers at Rice University discovered that tiny carbon capsules called buckyballs can hold up to 8% of their weight in hydrogen, surpassing the federal target of 6%. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient storage and use of hydrogen in fuel cells and cars.
Asteroid researchers used telescopes to identify three ancient asteroids that date back to the Solar System's formation. These 'prime candidates' contain calcium and aluminum-rich inclusions, providing insights into the earliest stages of the Solar System.
Researchers at Boston College and MIT used nanotechnology to boost thermoelectric efficiency, a milestone that could lead to cleaner products and energy generation. By slowing down phonons, the team created a material with improved electrical conductivity while blocking heat flow.
A UBC study and Harvard research found that spending money 'pro-socially' on gifts for others or charitable donations leads to greater reported happiness. The researchers used a nationally representative sample of Americans to test their theory that how people spend their money is at least as important as income earned.
A team of researchers from the University of Leeds has identified a critical weakness in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that may lead to new treatments for cervical cancer. The E7 protein helps HPV evade the immune system, but it also makes infected cells vulnerable to attack by Natural Killer cells.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory and Microsoft Station Q studied nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to understand decoherence, a process destroying quantum coherence. They discovered that environmental interference can be regulated by applying a moderate magnetic field, gaining insight into the decoherence process.
A team of scientists has discovered chloride mineral deposits in numerous places on Mars, indicating where water was once abundant and may provide evidence for former Martian life. The deposits suggest that water flowed into basins over a long time, potentially preserving organic materials.
Researchers discover ancient organism with multiple reproductive strategies, including sexual reproduction, dating back to the Neoproterozoic era. The findings suggest that ecosystems were complex and interconnected hundreds of millions of years ago, providing insights into early life evolution and potential extraterrestrial life.
Researchers at Yale University and Asuragen, Inc. found that the microRNA let-7 substantially reduced cancer growth in multiple mouse models of lung cancer, indicating a direct role for miRNAs in cancer progression. The study introduces a new paradigm for using miRNAs as effective therapeutic agents to treat human cancer.
Scientists have identified genes and processes that may underlie the susceptibility to Parkinson's disease. The study found that the gene sir-2.1 has a significant effect on protein formation, which is thought to play a role in the aging process and the development of the disease.
Researchers found that impaired sense of smell can precede the development of Parkinson's disease (PD) in men by at least four years. Smell impairment was associated with an increased risk of PD, even after adjusting for other factors such as age and cognitive function.
The American Geriatrics Society warns of a critical shortage of geriatricians in the US due to perceptions of poor pay and lack of glamour. Geriatric medicine requires a team-based approach to address the complex needs of elderly patients with multiple health problems.
A chemical reaction in the atmosphere above major cities is a significant contributor to urban ozone and smog, according to UC San Diego chemists. This new mechanism involves reactions between water vapor and NO2, producing OH radicals that attack hydrocarbons and form nitrogen dioxide.