Researchers at Penn School of Medicine found that cells reorganize their internal skeleton to adjust their shape in response to external forces. This discovery validates a common theory in cell biology and has implications for understanding certain diseases, including cancer.
A team of Australian astronomers discovered a puzzling lack of hydrogen gas in distant galaxies, which contradicts expectations based on the Universe's life cycle. The observed absence may be due to the destruction of hydrogen by quasars' intense radiation, leaving behind only ionised particles.
A non-invasive device has been shown to treat obesity and resolve diabetes in an animal model by altering complex gastrointestinal signals. The procedure resulted in a significant reduction in food intake and weight loss, as well as restoration of normal glucose metabolism.
A study of 273 adolescents found that those who had early sex were more likely to have lower academic achievement, depression, ADHD, and ODD. Parents' positive influence was also shown to reduce risky sexual behavior during adolescence.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that peer-led sex education in English schools did not reduce teenage abortions, but pupils preferred the approach. The trial involved 9,000 students and showed no significant difference in abortion rates between peer-led and teacher-led sessions at age 20.
Researchers found that diuretics commonly prescribed for high blood pressure can lower serum potassium levels, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The study examined data from 3,790 nondiabetic participants and found a 45% increased risk of diabetes for each 0.5 milliequivalent-per-liter decrease in potassium levels.
Researchers discovered that misfolded proteins trigger a mechanism in yeast cells, allowing them to adapt to stress and evolve more quickly. Under stressful conditions, the cells create prions, which can induce beneficial changes, such as enhanced growth on energy sources or resistance to antibiotics.
A recent study found that nearly a quarter of centenarians (25%) exhibit clinically relevant levels of depressive symptoms, yet only 8% receive an official diagnosis. Poor nutritional status, urinary incontinence, and past history of anxiety are potential contributing factors.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method for boosting the efficiency of solar photovoltaic cells by up to 50%. By applying antireflection coatings and complex reflective layer designs, they were able to increase the energy conversion rate. This breakthrough has significant implications for the future of renewable energy and could...
Researchers at MIT have discovered that adult brain neurons can remodel their connections, challenging long-held assumptions about the brain's ability to change. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of how to promote growth in cells and regions normally unable to repair themselves.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that a quarter of submitted drug trials remain unpublished five years later. Trials with favorable outcomes were more likely to be published, while those without favorable outcomes often had outcomes omitted or altered to favor the test drug.
Researchers at Scripps Florida found that blocking hypocretin-1 receptors significantly decreased nicotine self-administration and motivation in rats, suggesting a potential target for developing new smoking cessation treatments. The study highlights the importance of hypocretin-1 receptors in regulating nicotine reward and motivation.
Researchers have developed a model predicting recurrence in early-stage colon cancer patients and sensitivity to chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Gene expression analysis reveals specific patterns associated with higher cancer risk, enabling targeted treatments to prevent recurrences and improve survival rates.
A new study finds that racial prejudice in Britain has been declining since the 1980s, with younger generations showing greater tolerance towards ethnic minorities. The study also reveals significant generational changes in attitudes, with women and more educated individuals expressing less prejudice.
A study found that ACTs could reduce malaria transmission by up to 53% in areas of low transmission, compared to 21% in high transmission areas. Long-acting antimalarial regimens may be needed in high transmission settings to achieve significant reductions.
Three studies show that becoming circumcised reduces a man's chances of acquiring HIV from an infected woman by approximately half. The Male Circumcision Consortium will work to expand voluntary male circumcision services in Kenya and other African countries, with the goal of saving millions of lives.
Dolphins produce more force than previously thought to overcome drag, contradicting Sir James Gray's hypothesis. Researchers use cutting-edge technology to measure dolphin tail forces, finding an average of 200 pounds of force.
A study found that continuous blood pressure monitoring can help predict heart disease and related deaths among individuals with treatment-resistant hypertension. In contrast, blood pressure readings taken in a medical office do not appear to predict future heart risks.
A Cincinnati Children's study identifies a familial genetic cause for Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP), a lung disease causing labored breathing and respiratory failure. The research team proposes an inhaled GM-CSF aerosol as a potential treatment to correct surfactant levels, offering new hope for patients suffering from the condi...
Cincinnati Children's scientists have discovered a critical gene that regulates lung maturation and surfactant production in newborns. Deletion of the Foxm1 gene led to immature lungs and respiratory distress in mice, highlighting its importance for human health.
The Novo-TTF device was shown to enhance the efficacy of standard chemotherapy in treating newly-diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme patients. Combination therapy with the device prolonged time to disease progression by nearly 31 months and increased survival by more than 25 months compared to historical results.
Researchers at UCSD have discovered a novel drug target, phosphodiesterase 7B (PDE7B), for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Blocking PDE7B increases cAMP levels and causes CLL cells to undergo programmed cell death.
A three-country study found that women taking fluoxetine during pregnancy gave birth to four times as many babies with heart problems, while those taking paroxetine had three times higher levels. Smoking over ten cigarettes a day was associated with a five-fold increase in major heart problems.
The new journal covers the principles and practice of food security, analyzing it from various disciplines. It aims to define constraints preventing one billion people from accessing adequate nutrition and address means to overcome them.
A study by Dr. Nabil G. Seidah's team reveals that annexin A2 can inhibit PCSK9's degradation of the LDLR receptor, leading to lower bad cholesterol levels. This discovery paves the way for a new drug to target cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at the University of Washington have reported that mammals can be stimulated to regrow inner nerve cells in their damaged retinas. The study used a specific type of cell called Müller glia and found that it could be encouraged to regenerate in living mice by injecting growth factors.
A cross-sectional survey in northern Uganda found that IDPs experience negative effects on physical and mental health due to factors like gender, age, income, distance from home areas, food security, and sense of safety. The study also highlights the importance of emotional support using family ties for better mental health.
Experts call for more focused efforts on delivering better quality food aid to prevent and treat malnutrition in high-burden areas. A broader strategy involving local agricultural development and empowering women is needed to address global food insecurity.
The Oklahoma Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research has received $20 million from the NSF and State Regents for a five-year project focused on cellulosic biomass. Researchers will explore molecular mechanisms, microbial conversion, and new catalytic/thermochemical processes to develop alternative energy solutions.
A study found breast cancer rates increased in women screened every two years compared to those screened once, suggesting some cancers may spontaneously regress. The findings raise concerns about the value of mammography and highlight the need for further research into breast cancer's natural history.
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has launched an online information system to identify and generate maps for 1,287 tropical eastern Pacific shore fish species. The system allows users to search by common name, location, shape, and color, and provides detailed information on each species.
The New York Center for Astrobiology will investigate the origins of life on Earth and conditions that lead to habitable planets. Researchers aim to detect evidence of current or past life on Mars, building on NASA missions.
Double-balloon enteroscopy is a cost-effective approach for patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, offering reduced costs and complications compared to other diagnostic methods. The study suggests that an initial capsule-directed double-balloon enteroscopy may be preferred over other options due to its potential for fewer com...
A new study finds that regular aerobic exercise significantly reduces anger expression and aggressive behavior in overweight but otherwise healthy children. The 10-15 week afterschool exercise program improved the children's ability to control their anger and aggression, according to the Pediatric Anger Expression Scale.
A team of Berkeley Lab researchers won a prestigious Gordon Bell Prize for their algorithm innovation in high-performance computing. They developed the Linearly Scaling 3D Fragment (LS3DF) method to efficiently simulate the behavior of nanostructures, achieving impressive performance and scalability.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that not all DNA segments bound to the GATA1 protein are conserved across mammals, challenging previous assumptions. They found that 45% of these segments retain their identical form in other species, suggesting purifying selection maintains most regulatory regions.
A new theory in evolutionary biology proposes that sex promotes genes' ability to perform well with many partners rather than just one specific set of genes. This idea, called genetic mixability, finds that sexual reproduction favors genes that work well across multiple variations.
Researchers at USC have discovered a novel approach to suppressing prostate cancer development by inactivating a specific protein biomarker. By blocking the glucose-regulated protein GRP78, they found that prostate tumor progression can be halted in animal models.
Researchers have discovered a new species of leprosy-causing bacteria, Mycobacterium lepromatosis, which attacks skin vasculature and leads to extensive skin death. The finding could account for geographical and individual variation in the disease's severity.
Scripps researchers develop first definitive study of 2-AG's activity after discovering MAGL-specific inhibitor JZL184, reducing pain in mice and inducing effects associated with cannabinoid receptors. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for chronic pain, obesity, anxiety, and depression.
Researchers found that bavituximab, a PS-targeting antibody, can cure lethal virus infections in animal models of cytomegalovirus and Lassa fever. The drug showed potent anti-viral activity and may represent a new class of drugs for treating viral infections.
Researchers at the University of Bonn found that the brain's 'wiring' plays a significant role in shaping personality traits and behavior. Individuals with well-developed neural connections between the ventral striatum and hippocampus tend to be more open to new experiences and seek out challenges.
A multidisciplinary approach predicts the immunity of a vaccine based on gene expression patterns and T cell responses. The study successfully predicted immunity in up to 90% accuracy using the yellow fever vaccine as a model.
Research suggests melatonin therapy may prevent ocular inflammation in uveitis, reducing symptoms and protecting the blood-ocular barrier. Melatonin treatment has anti-inflammatory effects, potentially benefiting patients with chronic uveitis.
Researchers use supercomputers to model air flow around golf balls, optimizing dimple size and pattern for lower drag. The study reveals the physics of a flying golf ball with unprecedented detail, paving the way for future improvements in ball design.
Hybrid plants exhibit increased growth and biomass due to the increased expression of genes involved in photosynthesis and starch metabolism during the day. This connection between circadian clock regulators and growth vigor could lead to new methods for increasing biomass crops for biofuels and improving food yields.
Researchers propose a new model to improve existing standards by capturing the multi-dimensional experience of new teachers, highlighting the importance of emotional and relational aspects in their development. The study found that support from colleagues and availability of teaching materials are key factors in job satisfaction.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have improved their understanding of how magnetic information is lost in devices similar to hard drive read-heads. The findings, published in Nature Materials, could lead to the development of more efficient and powerful data storage technologies.
UT Southwestern researchers have developed a new strategy for broad-spectrum anti-viral drugs that targets a lipid molecule on infected cells, triggering the immune system to attack and destroy infected cells. The treatment, bavituximab, shows promise in treating viral diseases, including Lassa fever and cytomegalovirus.
A recent study published in Management Science found that social preferences, such as status and reciprocity, play a significant role in shaping the behavior of supply chain partners. When these preferences are taken into account, partnerships can become more collaborative and mutually beneficial, leading to improved overall performance.
A study found that many US women are unaware of the significant source of daily personal chemical exposure from their homes. Researchers discovered that people who learned about chemicals in their homes and bodies were not alarmed, but eager for more information about typical household products.
Four Americans, including US Senators Edward Kennedy and Mina Bissell, are being honored with the American Cancer Society's Medal of Honor for their outstanding contributions to cancer research and control. The recipients have made significant impact in funding, legislation, and awareness campaigns.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have proposed a new explanation for superconductivity that doesn't rely on phonons. By introducing quantum fluctuations and pressure changes, they observed a quantum critical point where electrons pair up in a previously undescribed state of matter.
The 2009 AAAS/Science dance contest selected four winners, each expressing their Ph.D. thesis in a unique dance form. The winning scientists are Sue Lynn Lau, Miriam Sach, Vince LiCata, and Markita Landry, whose research spans from vitamin D to single molecule measurements.
Researchers at Indiana University have created a comprehensive map of genes likely involved in bipolar disorder, identifying hundreds of genes that contribute to the illness. The study also lays the groundwork for personalized treatments and preventive measures using genetic risk scores.
A Florida State University research team has discovered a crucial new layer of regulation in the cell division cycle, which could lead to better cancer diagnosis and treatment. The findings highlight the importance of Cdc14 protein enzyme in ensuring correct timing and order of cell-cycle events.
Women exposed to hairspray at work during pregnancy have more than double the risk of having a son with hypospadias, according to a new Imperial College London study. Taking folic acid supplements in the first three months of pregnancy may reduce this risk by 36%.
The EUROCORES programme TOPO-EUROPE explores Europe's changing topography, combining solid Earth and climate scientists to understand past, present, and future changes. The project aims to refine sea level estimations and inform geological surveys on geothermal energy, seismic hazards, and slope instabilities.
A study by NIAID authors identifies common determinants of disease emergence across time and place, including international trade, poverty, and climate change. The research highlights the need for a better understanding of these factors to prepare for future emerging diseases.
UBC researchers have developed a new class of ultracold plasma made from molecules, which promises to revolutionize our understanding of plasmas and their properties. The technique creates plasmas three orders of magnitude denser than those made with trapped atoms, allowing for higher levels of correlation and potentially leading to ne...