Researchers have developed a method to selectively and safely remove memories from mice by over-expressing a protein critical to brain cell communication. This technique eliminates new and old memories alike, with potential applications for treating traumatic war memories or unwanted fears.
Scientists have identified a gene in mice that plays a central role in the development of corticospinal neurons, which degenerate in patients with ALS. The discovery provides insight into how stem cells in the brain become specific types of neurons.
A Duke University research team observed a naïve brain organizing itself to interpret images of motion for the first time. The study revealed that individual neurons develop specific responses and become organized into functional assemblies called cortical columns.
A study of 188 patients revealed 26 genes involved in the development of lung adenocarcinoma and its sub-types, including those in non-smokers. The findings could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for this deadliest form of lung cancer.
A new anti-cancer compound, BI 6727, has shown encouraging anti-tumour activity in a phase I clinical trial. The compound works by inhibiting the action of Polo-like kinase 1, leading to abnormal mitotic spindles and disrupting cell division.
A Cornell University study is exploring the potential of field grasses in the Northeast as a source for biofuels. The project has identified switchgrass, big bluestem and other native wild grasses with great potential for producing biomass needed for conversion to alternative energy.
Researchers found that self-efficacy is a strong predictor of physical activity levels at 12 months, while access to home exercise equipment was more predictive of adoption. Decisional balance, behavioral processes, outcome expectations, and enjoyment also play significant roles in maintaining physical activity.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that the signal transmission between neurons in the brain stem, which controls balance and breathing, is linear, unlike most other signals. The study sheds light on the mechanisms controlling these vital functions and may lead to new biotherapeutic agents.
Suicide rates among UK teens aged 10-19 decreased by 28%, particularly among males, who experienced a 35% drop. Young males are more likely to commit suicide than females, with three times the rate of female adolescents.
A new study published in The Lancet found that tesofensine can produce weight loss up to twice that of current medications, with the lowest dose showing promising results. Researchers believe this could be a game-changer for treating obesity, but larger trials are needed to confirm.
A collaborative study of nearly 200 lung cancer patients has identified over 1,000 genetic alterations and pinpointed 26 frequently altered genes. The research highlights the importance of integrating multiple large-scale approaches to highlight key molecular defects in lung tumors.
Engineers at UC Berkeley develop a new way to create computer chips by combining metal lenses with excitable electrons to achieve higher resolution detail. The technique could lead to ultra-high density disks holding 10-100 times more data than today.
ANG1005, a proprietary peptide vector, transports paclitaxel across the blood-brain barrier with high efficacy. The drug has shown promising results in clinical trials for brain metastasis and malignant glioma, with increased survival rates and reduced tumor growth.
A multi-institution team has identified 26 genes that are frequently mutated in lung adenocarcinoma, more than doubling the number of known associations with the disease. The study also detailed key pathways involved in lung cancer and described patterns of genetic mutations among different subgroups of patients.
Researchers discovered that a naturally occurring gene mutation in worms leads to reduced sensitivity to alcohol's effects, enabling the body to consume more without adverse reactions. The study suggests potential applications in identifying individuals with a predisposition to alcoholism.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that apigenin, a naturally occurring compound in fruits and vegetables, improves cancer cells' response to chemotherapy. By localizing tumor suppressor p53 in the cell nucleus, apigenin facilitates cell death and stops tumor growth.
A new animal model study suggests that high-dose corticosterone, a cortisol-related substance, can prevent negative consequences of stress exposure in PTSD. Low-dose corticosterone potentiated these responses, indicating a dose-dependent relationship between corticosterone levels and vulnerability/resilience.
New research suggests that the process of manufacturing nanomaterials can offset their environmental benefits, with some studies indicating life-cycle impacts 100 times greater than traditional materials. This challenges the assumption that nanomaterials will lead to reduced energy and resource use.
Scientists have discovered a way to silence a protein that helps leukemia cells survive by blocking its signals. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient treatments for the disease and potentially even reverse its effects.
A University of Missouri study found that decreasing stock options for CEOs after earnings restatements leads to fewer risky investments and improved operating performance. This reduction in compensation incentives helps firms avoid excessive risk-taking and achieve better bottom lines.
A new NC State University study reveals that ordinary people can work together to oppose the government's definition of a crisis and show how its actions undermine their American way of life. The study shows that defined as patriotic, common-sense citizens, opponents built a more credible connection to a patriotic American ethos.
A $900,000 Google grant will aid the International Research Institute for Climate and Society in predicting disease outbreaks in Ethiopia, a high-risk area for malaria and meningitis. The project aims to develop disease-mapping tools using climate data and improve early-warning systems.
A large study of Finnish twins found that early-onset depressive disorders at age 14 predicted daily smoking, tobacco use, and frequent alcohol consumption later. The findings suggest a significant association between early depression and substance abuse in adolescents, regardless of genetic or family factors.
Researchers will investigate the effects of climate change on biodiversity, wildfires, and people in the Pacific Northwest using two multi-site projects. They aim to develop policies that protect people from wildfire while conserving and protecting biodiversity.
Research on deep Japanese caldera lakes reveals rising temperatures in southern Japan's deep water, while northern lakes remain unchanged. This can lead to changes in nutrient exchange and oxygen supplies for organisms.
A UC Davis researcher has crossed New World Carniolans with Old World bees to create a more productive, winter-hardy, and resistant strain. This genetic research aims to increase resistance to pests and diseases, which are major contributors to the decline of honey bee colonies.
UT Southwestern researchers suggest that RSV may persist in the lungs of children, leading to recurrent wheezing and chronic airway disease. The study's findings contradict current thinking on the destruction of ribonucleic acid viruses like RSV.
A CU-Boulder study reveals that diverse host species, such as gray tree frogs, can reduce the risk of parasitic infections and limb deformations in American toads. The research found that tadpoles raised with tree frog tadpoles had significantly lower infection rates than those without.
According to a study published in JAMA, approximately one in four approved biological medicinal products had at least one safety-related regulatory action issued 10 years after their approval. The average time to a safety-related regulatory action was 3.7 years, with 70.7% of actions occurring within five years after approval.
The journal has been included in the Social Science Citation Index due to its exceptional awareness of current issues affecting the field of management accounting. Management Accounting Research features original research, case studies, and empirical work on topics such as management change, risk management, and corporate governance.
Experts warn that both John McCain's and Barack Obama's healthcare plans will be significantly impacted by the $700 billion bailout. McCain's plan would cut federal insurance for the poor, while Obama's plan proposes expanded coverage with standard benefits. The bailout is expected to diminish prospects for health reform.
Research from the University of Sheffield and Royal Holloway highlights that healthy eating policies must take into account families' differing domestic routines, relationships, and resources. The study found that food decisions are rooted in people's cultural conventions and social ties, rather than individual choice.
Young people with ADHD are more likely to become dependent on nicotine and experience environmental factors that increase their risk of smoking. The study found that individuals with more ADHD-related symptoms were at greater risk of nicotine dependence than those with fewer symptoms.
Researchers enhance the body's ability to fight cancer by boosting killer T cells' activity and keeping them alive longer. The new approach has shown promise in treating cancer patients with fewer side effects than existing treatments.
A study found that hospital rankings ignore patient demographics and comorbidities, penalizing hospitals that treat more vulnerable populations. The researchers suggest rethinking the ranking system to reward adherence to evidence-based treatment rather than a single score or ranking.
Researchers found strong associations between intermittent HIV treatment and higher levels of inflammation and blood-clotting biomarkers, leading to a higher risk of death from non-AIDS diseases. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and D-dimer levels rose significantly in the intermittent-treatment group after one month.
Researchers uncover clay bundle filled with metal objects, believed to be one of the earliest examples of African spirit practices in North America. The bundle, dated to around 1700, shows unique design and construction unlike other African-American spiritual practices.
A new study by Professor Grace Brush highlights the negative impact of fertilizer use on water quality and fish populations in Chesapeake Bay. The imbalanced nitrogen cycle has led to eutrophication, reducing oxygen concentrations and affecting aquatic life.
Researchers have developed a new MRI technique that can identify cervical cancer in its early stages by measuring the movement of water within tissue. The technique offers better imaging of smaller tumors and may improve surgical options for fertility-sparing procedures.
Walter Leal, a UC Davis professor, received the ESA award for his groundbreaking research on mosquito repellent DEET. His lab discovered the mode of action for DEET, which doesn't mask the host's smell but rather repels mosquitoes through direct detection.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School developed a self-assembling hydrogel drug delivery system that releases clinically approved drugs in high concentrations without carriers or toxic residues. The system, triggered by enzymes, has the potential to serve as a platform technology for developing targeted drug delivery systems.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a quasi-three-dimensional electron crystal in a material similar to those used in transistors, which could help the industry overcome quantum limits and continue Moore's Law. The discovery was made using ultra-low temperatures and powerful magnetic fields.
A proposed value-added tax for universal health insurance vouchers would create incentives for cost-containment and health care quality. The plan aims to overhaul the U.S. tax system to achieve fundamental reform of health care, with significant decreases in other taxes.
Rutgers University has received a $2.3 million federal grant to lead a national study on the use, safety, and effectiveness of antipsychotic medications. The study will focus on subpopulations such as the elderly and youth, where evidence is incomplete on medication outcomes.
Rochester Institute of Technology will develop a zero-noise detector with the Moore Foundation's $2.8M award, promising to enhance telescope sensitivity and astrophysics discoveries. The project aims to resolve noise limitations in existing detectors.
Researchers found that boys who experienced childhood physical or sexual abuse were more likely to use sexually coercive behavior against an unwilling female partner. Men who experienced both types of abuse were 4.5 times more likely to engage in such behavior.
States can play a critical role in health care reform by creating insurance exchanges, regulating health insurance plans, and innovating through novel programs. The federal government must also take initiative to achieve sustainable and successful reform, as states alone cannot overcome the substantial barriers to change.
Researchers found that chronic inflammation can nurture skin cancer by exploiting the IDO enzyme's suppressive immune response. This is analogous to chronic sun exposure and skin cancer, where UV radiation causes malignant skin cells to appear while also causing skin inflammation.
A new study published in Radiology found that 3-D power Doppler ultrasound can accurately distinguish between malignant and benign breast masses. The technique detects higher flow velocities in malignant tumor-feeding vessels, making it a potentially useful tool for breast cancer diagnosis.
Researchers found that Sharpie tips do not spread infection due to alcohol-based ink. In contrast, sterile markers with non-alcohol base ink were contaminated after 24 hours. The study suggests that reusable Sharpies can be used safely with proper cleaning and disinfection.
Astronomers have discovered a rare event in the life of a distant quasar, marking the first time a huge flow of gas has been seen coming from one. This observation sheds light on how quasars come into being and may hold clues to galaxy formation.
Extra payments to private FFS Medicare advantage plans totaled $2.5 billion in 2008, with each of the 2 million beneficiaries paying an average of $1,248 more than traditional Medicare costs. The new legislation aims to reduce overpayments and slow enrollment growth.
A new study finds that millions of children from low- to middle-income families are uninsured, even with one parent having private health insurance. The study highlights the vulnerabilities of these children and the unaffordability of healthcare for many families.
Researchers have identified the evolutionary origin of two genes, MDA-5 and RIG-I, which trigger the body's immune response to viral infections. These genes induce type I interferons, providing a unique mechanism for protection against viral infection.
The Global Viral Forecasting Initiative has received $11 million from Google.org and The Skoll Foundation to implement a pandemic early warning system. GVFI's strategy aims to track emergent pandemics to their source, providing potentially vital months or years of advanced warning before the next HIV or SARS emerges.
A new study by researchers at the University of Cincinnati shows that eliminating steroid therapy as early as seven days following a transplant surgery maintains kidney function. The study found reduction in steroid-related complications, even when prednisone was given in very low doses.
Despite having a parent with health insurance, approximately 4% of US children and adolescents experience gaps in coverage, leading to significant unmet healthcare needs. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive solutions to keep entire families covered, as the private system often fails to provide adequate coverage.
A team led by Professor Douglas Wiens is conducting a comprehensive study of Antarctica's Gamburtsev Province, using radar and seismic imaging to understand the region's geological history. The research aims to shed light on the formation of continental ice sheets and climate models.
The AGA Institute published evidence-based guidelines for the management and treatment of suspected GERD, highlighting the need for high-quality clinical trials. The guidelines recommend various treatments, including proton pump inhibitors and antireflux surgery, to improve patient outcomes.
A method of assessing phase I clinical trial abstract quality was developed and applied to two oncology conferences, revealing room for improvement. The study suggests that adopting guidelines for reporting phase I trials can enhance abstract quality.