Research suggests that individuals with weaker activation of brain reward circuitry when eating are more likely to be obese and gain weight over time. Those with a genetic variation associated with compromised dopamine signaling in this region are at even greater risk.
A new approach in cellular modeling reveals unexpected aspects of cell signaling pathways and suggests that the dynamic range of signals may be a greater determinant of cell behavior. The research offers a chance to uncover biological phenomena that might take thousands of hours to discover in the laboratory.
A new prostate cancer gene test using a urine sample has shown promising results in detecting the disease at an early stage. The test, PCA3, is highly specific to PCa and may allow patients to avoid unnecessary biopsies.
Researchers at Ohio State University have created a hybrid material that absorbs all the energy in sunlight and generates electrons easier to capture. This breakthrough material has two useful energy states, lasting up to 83 microseconds, allowing for better charge separation and potentially more efficient solar cells.
Researchers found that lambeosaur crest shapes don't match internal nasal passages in closely related species, suggesting a special function. The crests likely produced low-frequency calls for mating or warning other predators.
Researchers have identified genes that control cell death as contributing to age-related hearing loss. The study used mice to chart the activity of over 22,000 genes, finding eight genes involved in the apoptotic process whose activity differed between normal and hearing-loss mice.
Walter Alvarez, a maverick geologist, has won the prestigious Vetlesen Prize for his groundbreaking work on the link between a massive comet impact and the extinction of dinosaurs. His research, conducted over several decades, challenged conventional wisdom and revealed that life on Earth is affected by cosmic interactions.
Hospital emergency room doctors and nurses express concerns about radiological event management and patient care after a terrorist attack. They prioritize protecting themselves and loved ones over decontamination protocols, highlighting the need for better preparedness training and guidelines.
Astronomers have discovered a pulsar that blinks only in gamma-rays, providing new insights into stellar evolution. The pulsar, located in the CTA 1 supernova remnant, is thought to be part of a large population of similar objects, offering researchers a unique way to study stars in our universe.
The NIAID has awarded a contract to the University of Washington to analyze and model virus-host interactions for SARS and bird flu. The research program will use systems biology approaches to generate predictive models that can be experimentally validated, providing valuable resources for the scientific community.
Most presidential election forecasts predict Senator Barack Obama's victory in the 2008 popular vote, with an average of 52% predicted. The forecasts, developed by nine different models, use various statistical and historical data to make their predictions.
Researchers have identified a molecular defect underlying male infertility and its link to melanoma development. The discovery highlights the potential for targeting specific signaling pathways to develop new treatments.
Researchers at Penn State and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a way to control certain proteins using light. The team's hybrid protein was engineered to respond to light, increasing or decreasing enzyme activity depending on the illumination, offering new possibilities for treating diseases.
A recent study from the University of Iowa found that nearly half of human DNA, composed of repetitive sequences like Alu elements, gives rise to functional exons that regulate gene expression. These findings suggest a link between 'junk' DNA and human-specific traits, such as muscle-related diseases.
A new study found that wildfires lead to significant losses of carbon and nitrogen in forest soils, with over 10 tons per acre of carbon lost and between 450-620 pounds per acre of nitrogen lost. This can negatively impact soil productivity and contribute to global warming.
A study by Duke University Medical Center reveals that strong emotions and scents create lasting memories even when we're asleep. The researchers found that noradrenaline and odor cues are essential for memory formation, leading to changes in behavior upon waking.
A study of nine world-class mountain climbers found a reduction in white and grey matter in the brain involved in motor activity after high-altitude expeditions to Everest and K2. Despite this, cognitive abilities remained unaffected.
Recent studies confirm the prevalence of migraine remains stable, with aura doubling heart attack risk and increasing cardiovascular disease mortality. New treatments targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) show promise, with olcegepant and telcagepant demonstrating effective pain relief.
The Lancet Editorial recommends four top candidates - Tim Barnett, Stefano Bertozzi, Michel Sidibé and Debrework Zewdie - to succeed outgoing Executive Director Peter Piot. The selected candidates will be evaluated on their vision and plans for the new role.
Researchers at Michigan State University are developing a cost-effective technology to turn animal waste into usable heat, electricity, and other valuable products. The Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center aims to provide scalable, modular systems for smaller farms to convert waste into resources.
A new study analyzing historic samples from a classic origin-of-life experiment by NASA and university researchers found 22 amino acids, 10 of which were never seen before. The team discovered that volcanic eruptions could provide the necessary chemistry for life to emerge.
A new study reveals that fructose consumption can induce leptin resistance, leading to weight gain when combined with a high-fat diet. Leptin resistance developed silently, without obesity, and was associated with higher triglyceride levels in the blood.
Researchers at Rutgers University have identified a new antibiotic target and mechanism that may lead to new treatments for tuberculosis. The study found that three antibiotics block the action of bacterial RNA polymerase, an enzyme essential for bacterial survival.
A genetic study of an Antarctic 'antifreeze fish' has revealed a small set of genes that dominate the transcriptional process, enabling it to survive in cold, oxygen-rich environments. The study found high expression of proteins responding to environmental stress, such as heat shock proteins and ubiquitins.
A team of researchers in Canada has made a breakthrough in detecting dark matter by identifying a significant difference between acoustic signals induced by neutrons and alpha particles. This discovery could lead to improved background suppression in dark matter searches using this type of detector.
Classic experiments from 1953 may have simulated steam from volcanic eruptions, producing varied mixtures of organic compounds. This discovery points to the possible contribution of volcanism to life's beginning on Earth.
Studies reveal that solar forcing has negligible impact on recent global warming, while a declining Arctic sea ice cover threatens an ice-free North Pole. A new model also explains the behavior of slow earthquakes by simulating random fault slip.
Researchers at Yale University discovered a link between genetics and reduced brain response to food in obese individuals, predicting future weight gain. The study used brain imaging and genetic analysis to show that individuals with a specific genetic variant exhibited a blunted response to food, leading to overeating.
Scientists have identified a genetic switch called hairy that helps oxygen-deprived cells survive by suppressing non-essential activity. The study, using fruit flies as a model, reveals how this metabolic slowdown occurs and may hold clues for human cell survival under low-oxygen conditions.
NARSAD recognizes six scientists whose groundbreaking research has led to significant strides in understanding and treating mental illness. The 2008 prize winners include experts in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, childhood disorders, and cognitive neuroscience.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital used gene therapy to restore useful vision to mice with retinal degeneration by expressing a light-sensitive protein in other neuronal cells. The treatment showed promise, enabling the mice to find dark refuges and learn to associate light with safe platforms.
A team of researchers from Dartmouth College's National Center for Disaster Mental Health Research will study the mental health impact of Hurricane Ike in Galveston, Texas. The three concurrent studies focus on stress management, Internet-based self-help tools, and cognitive behavioral therapy to aid survivors' recovery.
The SAPIT trial shows that integrating TB and HIV treatment saves lives, reducing mortality among co-infected patients. The study found that providing antiretroviral therapy at the same time as TB treatment significantly reduces mortality, especially in South Africa where 70% of TB patients are infected with HIV.
A team of researchers at Harvard Medical School used RNAi to systematically knockdown pairs of genes in fruit fly cells, revealing interactions between genes and accelerating the pace of discovery in systems biology. This approach overcomes limitations of traditional single-gene knockout studies by capturing redundant gene functions.
A new study found a low number of strokes and cardiac events in patients treated with the FiberNet Embolic Protection System during carotid stenting. The system's unique filter design and ease of use contributed to these low event rates.
The VCU Massey Cancer Center will conduct two studies to examine delays and disparities in colon cancer diagnosis and physician communication patterns based on race and gender. The first study focuses on appraisal delays, while the second study uses trained actors to simulate patient interactions with primary care physicians.
Dr. Xingxing Zang receives Type 1 Diabetes Pathfinder Award for his innovative research on B7x protein, which may prevent T lymphocytes from destroying pancreatic cells. The award supports his five-year study to explore the role of B7x in diabetes prevention and treatment.
A study found that early exposure to drugs and alcohol increases the risk of early pregnancy, substance dependence, and criminal convictions. The research tracked nearly 1,000 New Zealand residents from birth to age 32 and showed that even 'good kids' who used substances before 15 faced poorer health outcomes.
Duke University chemists have developed a method to measure temperature changes inside the body with unprecedented precision by correcting a subtle error in MRI theory. This improvement enables accurate temperature mapping, which is essential for hyperthermia cancer therapy and other treatments.
A study by Tomislav Domazet-Lošo and Diethard Tautz reveals that most disease-associated genes originated before the first cells emerged, with only recently evolved genes showing no link to human diseases. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary origins of genetic diseases affecting humans and other living organisms.
A new computational approach developed by Tel Aviv University researchers may help scientists gain a clearer overall picture of the metabolic processes in different tissues. The model integrates tissue-specific information to predict metabolic tissue behavior, exposing the functions responsible for metabolism.
Researchers reanalyzed Stanley Miller's classic origin of life experiment to determine if chemical compounds could be detected using modern equipment. They found that a modern day version of the volcanic apparatus produces a wider variety of compounds, including 22 previously unidentified amino acids.
A classic Miller-Urey Synthesis experiment produced fewer organic molecules than its unpublished sibling study. The reanalyzed vials from the latter experiment revealed a wider variety of amino acids and amines.
Researchers found that women with decreased striatal activation in response to receiving milkshakes were more likely to gain weight over time. The study, which used brain imaging and genetic data, suggests that certain biological factors may impact one's risk for weight gain.
A new study by Eric Stice found obese people exhibit blunted reward responses in the brain's striatum, leading to increased unhealthy weight gain. The research suggests that a genetic variation affecting dopamine D2 receptors may trigger overeating in obese individuals.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory demonstrate that spike timing in cortical neurons can influence behavior even at minuscule time intervals. The study suggests an alternative theory of information processing in the cortex, where information is encoded within the precise pattern of spiking rather than just the rate of spiking.
Scientists have identified a key molecular defect underlying sterility in some men with repeated failed ICSI procedures. The absence of the PLC zeta-1 protein in sperm prevents them from inducing egg activation and initiating embryo development.
Researchers found that uninformed voters respond to abstract messages when voting far in the future, while concrete messages sway them when the choice is near. This effect applies to various consumption contexts like college decisions or car purchases.
A study published at the TCT scientific symposium found that a novel blood flow reversal system used during carotid stenting is safe and effective, with a low death rate of 0.8% and major adverse event rate of 3.7%. The system offers potential advantages over existing devices by directing embolic particles away from the brain.
The new field of transformation optics harnesses nanotechnology and metamaterials to manipulate and control light at all scales. Researchers envision applications such as electromagnetic cloaks, ultra-powerful microscopes, and faster computers that use light instead of electronic signals.
Researchers have identified eight free-living red squirrels that are immune to the squirrelpox viral disease, a significant finding in the struggle to save the species from extinction. The discovery suggests that immunity to the virus could give red squirrels an edge against grey squirrels, which harbor the virus but are immune.
Researchers have discovered two distant galaxies with massive black holes at their centers, challenging previous assumptions about the formation of these cosmic objects. The study reveals that these colossal black holes were present even 12 billion years ago, when the universe was just 1.7 billion years old.
Researchers found that tadpoles help keep algae at the base of the food chain productive, but their absence leads to more sediment and less productive algae. The study demonstrates how the grazing activities of tadpoles help maintain a healthy stream ecosystem.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao emphasized the importance of basic research investment, aiming for a 4% annual reduction in energy consumption. He also vowed to improve food safety and tackle environmental challenges, recognizing science as crucial for societal development.
Researchers have visualized the structure of a protein called Microbacterium hydantoin permease, which helps bacteria take up specific molecules from their surroundings. The study reveals how the protein opens and closes to allow molecules across the membrane, with implications for understanding human cell function.
Scientists have discovered a 10,000-year-old stellar corpse that only pulses in gamma rays, providing fundamental insights into the behavior of collapsed stars. The pulsar, located about 4,600 light-years away, emits 1,000 times the energy of our sun and is thought to be part of a larger population of similar objects.
Researchers demonstrate that female mice with damaged heart cells can still fully function at birth thanks to the proliferation of healthy cells. However, some mice develop heart problems later in life, highlighting the need for further investigation into the gene's influence on adult hearts.
A team of scientists has discovered a new population of colliding galaxy clusters that were previously undetected at shorter wavelengths. The discovery confirms theoretical predictions about particle acceleration through turbulent waves generated by violent collisions.
A study found that US residents traveling abroad for kidney transplants experienced higher rates of acute rejection and severe infections. The study, which included 33 transplant tourists and 66 comparison patients, noted significant differences in infection types and severities.
Research funded by the Wellcome Trust found people with autism spectrum disorders tend to be more consistent in their decision-making due to reduced emotional influence. This attention to detail can help them avoid irrational choices but may hinder social interactions that require gut instincts.