The Parkinson's Disease Foundation has awarded $150,000 to study the potential of individualized stem cell therapy for treating Parkinson's disease. Researchers will investigate using transformed adult skin cells to replace damaged dopamine neurons in the brains of people with Parkinson's.
A team of scientists has discovered a tiny juvenile Heterodontosaurus fossil, shedding new light on the evolution of plant-eating dinosaurs. The fossil's unusual teeth suggest that these early herbivores may have engaged in occasional omnivory, using their canines as defensive weapons or to supplement their diet with small animals.
Penn State will receive a $5 million NSF grant to establish a National Center for Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK), building on its national leadership in nanotechnology education and workforce development. The NACK Center aims to coordinate micro- and nanofabrication workforce development programs nationally.
Preliminary trials of a new multi-kinase inhibitor, XL184, have indicated impressive tumour shrinkage activity in patients with advanced medullary thyroid cancer. The overall disease control rate was 84% in the 25 patients who have been followed for at least three months.
Researchers found that transplanted bone marrow mononuclear cells reduced liver fibrosis and improved albumin expression in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. The study suggests the potential of cell-based therapies for patients with chronic liver diseases.
The NIH convened a panel to weigh evidence on hepatitis B management, highlighting the need for large studies and representative prospective cohort studies. The panel recommends routine screening for newly arrived immigrants from countries with high hepatitis B prevalence.
A new study by George Mason University found that nearly half of US states lack a state-level emergency plan or make it difficult for the public to access one. The study graded and ranked the state emergency operations plans on their communication components, finding that only two states received a perfect score.
A new study from the University of New Hampshire found that elderly women can increase muscle strength similar to young women after an eight-week training regime. However, the older group showed a reduced capacity to increase power, which is more closely related to preventing falls.
A phase II trial of oral fumarate (BG00012) showed a 69% reduction in new gadolinium enhancing lesions and a 32% decrease in annual relapse rate. Longer-term studies are underway to confirm these findings and establish its place in multiple sclerosis treatment.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that hypnosis can induce synesthetic experiences, challenging the idea that extra connections are needed. The study suggests that people with synesthesia do not have abnormal brain connections, but rather increased 'cross talking' between brain areas.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, discovered a protein compass that helps amoebas find bacteria by scent. This molecular switch is also shared with human immune cells to locate infection sites.
Hydrogen sulfide is produced in the endothelial lining of blood vessels and regulates blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. The discovery has potential applications for designing drug therapies to enhance its formation as an alternative to current hypertension treatments.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that patients with chronic HCV infection have a higher risk of developing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis compared to those with HBV. The risk factors include age, liver cirrhosis, and smoking, with patients over 55 and those with liver cirrhosis showing the highest incidence.
Research suggests that civic education can mitigate poorly informed and disengaged American citizens. Eamonn Callan argues for 'rational social hope' in which teachers promote civic virtue through relevant information and understanding.
A new genetic association study found associations between six mouse genes and specific human anxiety disorders, including social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. The study suggests that these genes may play a role in predisposing individuals to developing an anxiety disorder.
A new cancer vaccine has elicited an immune response in most patients with bowel, kidney and prostate cancer, suggesting potential clinical benefit. The vaccine, TroVax, is well-tolerated and may provide survival benefits to patients.
Futuropolis 2058 conference highlights the importance of social and intellectual capital in creating sustainable urban environments. Experts emphasize the need for long-term city planning, integrating work, live, and play elements, to enhance human interaction and connection.
A new study by University of Missouri researchers has identified three specific pollen proteins that may contribute to the signaling processes in plants. These proteins, which bind to pistil proteins, suggest a molecular basis for plant mate recognition and acceptance or rejection of individual pollen grains.
Researchers found that green tea's EGCG reduced salivary gland damage and delayed insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes in a laboratory mouse. The study also showed that EGCG suppressed abnormal gene expression and lowered serum autoantibodies, reducing Sjogren's syndrome-like symptoms.
Researchers have identified a new combination therapy that targets tumors with B-RAF mutations by combining MEK inhibitors with BH3 mimetics, showing promise in treating melanomas and other solid tumors.
Scientists have developed a new imaging agent using bevacizumab, which surpasses existing methods in detecting tumors. The compound successfully targets cancer cells and provides clearer images of tumors, enabling earlier stages of detection and fewer false positives.
Researchers at UIC are developing a new drug class that targets nitric oxide delivery to the brain, aiming to slow Alzheimer's disease progression. The team proposes delivering nitric oxide via bioactive molecules to restore and protect brain function.
A new study from the University of Maryland suggests that investing a greater share of RGGI auction revenues in energy efficiency programs can produce significantly greater benefits for Maryland. This could lead to modest savings for consumers and a positive overall economic impact while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers have discovered a new species of microorganism that thrived 55 million years ago during a period of abrupt global warming. The 'giant' magnetofossils, which are up to eight times larger than previously known ones, provide valuable insights into the potential effects of significant climate changes on life.
NIAID scientists will present research on various infectious diseases, including noroviruses, Crohn's disease, and antibiotic-resistant infections. The talks aim to advance our understanding of these conditions and develop effective treatments.
Agrin and MuSK don't directly communicate, but LRP4 serves as a bridge to initiate critical internal cell talk. This finding sheds light on the agrin-MuSK signaling pathway's role in muscular dystrophy.
The UK economy is expected to contract in the second half of 2008, with a forecasted GDP decline of 0.9% in 2009 and consumer spending declining by 3.4%. The financial sector crisis will spread to the wider economy through credit rationing, caution among firms and consumers, and reduced equity prices.
Researchers found giant magnetic crystals, unlike anything previously seen, in fossil layers deposited during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, an ancient global-warming event. The unique 'Magnetic Death Star' fossils provide insights into radical environmental transformation and may hold clues for understanding future climate change.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham are using MRI technology to investigate whether brain abnormalities can predict drug addiction. The three-year study aims to understand why some people become addicted while others do not, with a focus on the frontal cortex and its role in decision-making.
Researchers from the University of Granada and University of Valencia have confirmed natural electric activity in Titan's atmosphere using data from the Huygens probe. This discovery increases the likelihood of organic molecules forming on Titan, which could be precursors to life.
A team of scientists has developed a hybrid memory system that stores quantum information in the nucleus of an atom, solving a key problem for quantum computing. This breakthrough enables faster processing speeds from electrons and longer memory times from nuclei.
A team led by UC San Diego professor Joseph Wang will create an automated sense-and-treat system that monitors biomarkers and administers treatment in real-time, aiming to improve soldier survival rates.
A team of 20 cloud and climate experts will investigate how Pacific clouds affect global climate and weather, including the UK. They aim to reduce errors in climate models by understanding how these clouds form and interact with the atmosphere.
A University of Minnesota study has identified genetic markers associated with early clinical relapse of multiple myeloma. The research suggests that a patient's genetic background influences their prognosis and response to treatment, paving the way for individualized assessments and personalized therapies.
Research at University of New South Wales finds a link between maternal obesity and increased body fat in offspring. Pups from obese mother rats were nearly twice as heavy as those born to lean mothers with regular milk consumption.
Researchers from the University of Leicester and South Korea have discovered a gene, FBL17, that triggers precursor cells to divide into twin sperm cells. This discovery sheds light on the 'double fertilization' process, essential for seed production in flowering plants.
Researchers have developed a novel drug delivery system that can cross the blood-brain barrier to reach and kill cancer cells in the brain. The technology has shown promise in preclinical trials, with increased survival rates and reduced tumor growth in mice and rats.
Researchers have developed a method for 3D optical imaging of anisotropic fluids like liquid crystals, allowing for detailed understanding of molecular order. The technique enables precise control over liquid crystal displays in devices such as TVs and laptops.
A study published in Liver International found that Canadian liver transplant centres are more willing to consider patients who smoke marijuana, while US programmes say no, highlighting the need for evidence-based eligibility criteria.
Researchers have discovered 26 new genes linked to lung adenocarcinoma, a type of non-small cell lung cancer. The study's findings suggest that these genetic alterations can be targeted with specific treatments, offering new hope for patients.
Researchers identified an 11-gene signature that separates responders from non-responders to FOLFIRI chemotherapy. The gene signature can predict treatment outcomes with 100% accuracy in a small sample size of 19 patients.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified a trigger point on a naturally occurring death protein that helps the body get rid of unwanted or diseased cells. The newly found trigger may be exploited as a target for designer drugs that force malignant cells to commit suicide.
Norhealth is a web-based system monitoring health trends and risk factors in Norway, creating a knowledge base for health strategies. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has developed this leading public health information system in Europe.
Researchers found that no-till practices can lead to increased nitrous oxide emissions, offsetting the soil's carbon dioxide sink. In a study of two soil types, nitrous oxide emissions doubled under no-till conditions in the heavy clay soil.
A new protocol, PAST, reduces pre-hospital delays for stroke patients, increasing those treated with thrombolytic therapy from 4.7% to 21.4%. The protocol could save an estimated $31.2 million annually by enabling more patients to receive brain-saving treatment within the three-hour window.
The World Health Organization and Boston University team highlights the urgent need to assess environmental burdens on children's health. Childhood exposure to pollution, toxins, and poor sanitation leads to diseases like diarrheal illnesses, lower respiratory infections, and malaria.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that alemtuzumab may not only stop MS from advancing but also restore lost functions in patients. The study found that alemtuzumab reduces attacks by 74% and disability accumulation by 71% compared to a current treatment.
A study mapped the clan of mobile selfish genes Alu retrotransposons in the human genome, revealing that around 10,000 elements are still capable of jumping around and posing a major threat to human genetics. The research provides valuable insights into the behavior of these elements and their potential impact on personalized genomics.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that anti-tobacco ads focusing on either fear or disgust increase attention and memory in viewers. However, ads combining both elements decrease viewers' attention and memory. The researchers suggest that the combination of fear and disgust can make an ad 'too noxious' for the viewer.
A new study by UCL researchers suggests that hypnosis can induce synaesthetic experiences in people without extra brain connections. They used posthypnotic suggestion to show that non-synesthetes could experience digit-colour synaesthesia, reporting similar experiences as real synaesthetes.
This special issue explores the fundamental research of new-generation Internet architecture, addressing major technical challenges such as scalability, security, and high-performance. The studies aim to provide theoretical foundations and scientific-proof support for solving these challenges and carry out technological innovation.
Researchers found BDNF-induced activation of JAK/STAT pathway is crucial for temporal lobe epilepsy development in adult rats. This pathway is also implicated in inflammatory diseases.
Cornell researchers develop a cost-effective method to create nanoscale devices by manipulating fluid droplets and using silicone rubber molds. The technique allows for the production of various architectures, including wires, disks, squares, triangles, and superlattices, with potential applications in computer memory and photonics.
Researchers have discovered the mechanism behind how a specific antibiotic, myxopyronin, kills bacteria. The study found that the antibiotic binds to RNA polymerase, interfering with its ability to use DNA to start gene expression, effectively creating a road block that halts bacterial growth.
SmartCells' SmartInsulin is a once-a-day, glucose-regulated insulin that maintains continuous blood glucose control while reducing hypoglycemia risk. JDRF's $1M funding supports preclinical safety and efficacy testing for this treatment, aiming to improve patient safety and quality of life.
The International Council for Science has launched a 10-year research program to address the gaps in knowledge and methods preventing effective application of science to mitigate disasters. The program aims to provide enhanced global capacity to address hazards and make better decisions to reduce their impacts.
Researchers propose new ultrasound screening criteria to diagnose autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which may misdiagnose individuals with the milder form of the disease. The new criteria improve detection in individuals with mutations in either PKD1 or PKD2 genes.
The ICSU has approved a major international research programme to study the relationship between humans and ecosystems. The programme aims to provide scientific knowledge needed for sustainable use of valuable ecosystems.
A new study finds that developing depression after a heart attack substantially increases the risk of cardiac-related morbidity and mortality. This increased risk is significant, even when controlling for traditional cardiac risk factors.
Scientists at Newcastle University have discovered a mechanism that ensures the correct metal binds to proteins, which has potential applications in synthetic biology and treating diseases such as Alzheimer's. The research found that protein folding location determines metal binding, revealing new insights into protein-metal interactions.