Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center created an animal model to study the effects of chronic stress on behavior, physiology, and reproduction. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a key neurohormone involved in stress response, and its increased expression is linked to anxiety, depression, and infertility.
Researchers found African Americans are twice as likely to die following a liver operation compared to Caucasians, highlighting a significant racial disparity in surgical outcomes. The study suggests that differences in preoperative health status and hospital factors may contribute to this disparity.
A new method allows for the detection of multiple immune parameters from individual human cells, which may aid in diagnosing diseases such as type 1 diabetes. This breakthrough enables researchers to study rare blood cells and their role in autoimmune diseases, leading to potential novel biomarkers for therapy monitoring.
Scientists in Montana found that an introduced fly may worsen the effects of a widely invasive plant. The fly's larvae induce the plant to grow tissue around them, reducing its energy for seed production. Deer mice prey on the larvae, further boosting mouse population size and negatively impacting native plants.
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding the impact of dust on climate, with a new study using CALIPSO data to map global dust distribution. Another study found that a new Earth System Model can better represent global climate effects in the Amazon basin. Additionally, researchers have identified key dust sources in A...
Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a crucial protein called UHRF1 that acts like a bookmark to maintain the correct pattern of DNA methylation. This process is essential for normal development and preventing cancer, as alterations in methylation patterns can lead to gene silencing at the wrong times.
Children who spend time in intensive care units may experience long-lasting psychological trauma and anxiety after discharge. A new questionnaire developed by MUHC researchers aims to help healthcare professionals identify these children and provide them with necessary support.
Naomi Halas, a leading researcher in nanophotonics, has been honored with the Research Excellence Award for her innovative work on nanoparticle synthesis and its applications in biotechnology. Her invention of nanoshells has shown tunable optical properties, making them suitable for various medical applications.
Physicists at Fermilab have discovered a new particle called the Omega-sub-b baryon, composed of two strange quarks and a bottom quark, with a mass of 6.165 GeV/c2. The discovery brings scientists closer to understanding quark formation and completing the periodic table of baryons.
A new study found that mothers who delivered vaginally are more responsive to their baby's cry due to increased brain activity in regions regulating emotions and motivation. This could lead to better understanding and early detection of postpartum depression and attachment problems.
A study found that high levels of religious participation may contribute to adolescent depression among Latino and Asian-American youth, particularly those who face cultural conflicts between their faith and mainstream American society. In contrast, white and African-American teens showed no significant increase in depressive symptoms.
A UC San Diego scientist presents the first unified vision of 'the building blocks of life', revealing that only 68 molecules construct four fundamental cell components: nucleic acids, proteins, glycans, and lipids. This framework may hold the key to unlocking the origins of many serious diseases.
Researchers from Michigan Tech and U. Michigan develop innovative quantitative analysis to distinguish fibromyalgia patients from healthy controls, suggesting potential clinical relevance in sleep stage dynamics. The study's findings may lead to improved assessments and reduced costs for sleep studies.
A study by Arizona State University researchers found that urbanization's impact on surface hydrology can disrupt nutrient cycling in native ecosystems. The alteration of stream flow and water availability has been linked to increased nitrogen levels, harming riparian species and coastal dead zones.
A new study by Karolinska Institutet found that immigrant women from different countries have varying risks of developing cervical cancer. Women from east Africa had a significantly lower risk, while those from Norway and Denmark had a higher risk.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered a key biochemical link in the process by which Ebola Zaire virus infects cells. By activating the PI3 kinase pathway, Ebola tricks the cell into drawing it into an endosome, where it can reproduce itself.
The International Rice Research Institute has received a $500,000 donation from 5 PRIME to support research on developing drought-tolerant rice varieties. This donation will strengthen IRRI's capabilities for efficient and cost-effective rice production.
The Trichoplax genome sequence provides a 'Rosetta Stone' for understanding the origins of animal-specific pathways. It shares over 80% of its genes with humans and defines Trichoplax as a branching point of animal evolution.
Scientists have detected previously unnoticed chemical signals that individual cells in the immune system use to communicate with each other over short distances. The new technology, called a multi-trap nanophysiometer, has enabled the accidental discovery of paracrine signaling.
Scientists discover that glutathione peroxidase 4 senses and translates oxidative stress into a distinct signaling pathway leading to cell death, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for mitigating degenerative diseases. This discovery sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress and its role in cellular damage.
Researchers used VLBI technique to combine signals from multiple telescopes and detected structure 30 million miles away from the galactic center. The observations provide unprecedented view of the region near the black hole event horizon.
The Montel Williams MS Foundation has awarded $325,000 in research grants to seven institutions studying new treatments for multiple sclerosis, including methods for early detection and restoring depleted myelin. The foundation aims to advance knowledge that will lead to more effective diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Researchers have successfully used stem cell transplantation to improve the symptoms of a mouse model with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and degeneration. The treatment increased the survival and function of motor neurons, leading to improved muscular function and lifespan in treated mice.
The APPRAISE-I trial found a non-statistically significant trend that patients taking apixaban with aspirin or clopidogrel had lower incidence of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death, compared to those taking a placebo. However, bleeding complications were a concern, especially at higher doses.
A home-based physical activity program improved cognitive function in adults with memory problems, compared to those who did not participate. The study found that exercise delayed recall and reduced Clinical Dementia Rating scores in participants.
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of networks in STEMI treatment, facilitating pre-hospital diagnosis, triage, and treatment with efficient transportation to appropriate hospitals. Clear protocols and cooperation among centers reduce delays and improve patient outcomes.
A new study published in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine found that ondansetron significantly reduces vomiting and hospital admissions in children with acute gastroenteritis. The medication also decreases the need for intravenous fluids by nearly two-thirds.
Bacteria use multifunctional enzymes to save energy and produce cell wall components, making them resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. This 'moonlighting' activity protects the enzyme DNA gyrase from attack by antibiotics.
A team of researchers found definitive genetic proof of how osteoarthritis destroys joint cartilage in nearly 21 million aging Americans. The study used genetically engineered mice to show that high levels of beta-catenin lead to cartilage destruction and bony growths, providing a new foundation for treating OA.
A recent study found that white Americans' attitudes towards blacks were affected when exposed to video presentations blaming the government's response on racism or incompetence. Whites displayed strong positive attitudes towards themselves rather than negative ones towards blacks, according to the research.
After a decade-long decline, US youth suicide rates surged by 18% in 2003-2004, with the trend persisting into 2005. Researchers suspect prescription antidepressant medication may be a contributing factor, as concerns over side effects led to a 20% drop in prescriptions.
Researchers developed a new method for early detection of heart attacks using metabolite profiling, detecting changes in blood samples 10 minutes after the event. The approach has potential to improve early treatment and survival rates.
Researchers have found that farnesylated progerin, not just its non-farnesylated form, can cause symptoms of disease in individuals with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). Meanwhile, a new study suggests that neural stem cell transplantation may offer hope for treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) by improving the survival a...
The VCU Massey Cancer Center is spearheading a phase II clinical study for certain sub-types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, combining the novel drugs bortezomib and vorinostat. The study aims to assess the effectiveness and side effects of this drug regimen in patients whose disease has progressed following treatment with other regimens.
Research reveals that as we age, our brains struggle to ignore irrelevant information and process information rapidly, leading to decreased memory formation. This breakdown occurs early in visual processing and persists despite attempts to suppress extraneous information.
The 2008 ESC guidelines cover acute and chronic heart failure, prioritizing treatment implementation and palliative care. The document identifies gaps in evidence and aims to focus future clinical research on important issues.
Researchers at Durham University have developed two synthetic molecules that can direct stem cells to 'differentiate' into specific tissue types, improving the reliability of experiments and potentially reducing animal use. The new molecules, EC23 and EC19, are more stable than natural compounds currently used in laboratory research.
A gene controlling blood vessel differentiation during embryonic development has been linked to a brain disorder that causes stroke. The study found that the gene, Notch, can induce and reverse the disease's progression in mice, offering new insights into its molecular mechanisms.
A team of vaccine safety experts has developed a step-by-step tool to identify children with allergic reactions to vaccines and provide safe immunization plans. Most children with known or suspected vaccine allergies can be safely vaccinated with proper monitoring and precautions, according to the study.
A new study published in PNAS found that a B-vitamin deficiency can cause vascular cognitive impairment in mice. The research, conducted by researchers at Tufts University, used an experimental model to examine the effects of dietary B-vitamin deficiency on metabolic, cognitive, and microvascular changes.
A study in JAMA Network found that only 5% of California parents with chronically ill children have used the Paid Family Leave Insurance Program, despite its existence since 2004. The lack of awareness and use of the program may be attributed to various factors, including perceived costs and benefits.
A new study reveals that experienced Zen meditators can quickly clear their minds of distractions compared to novices. After being interrupted by a word-recognition task, experienced meditators' brains returned faster to their pre-interruption condition.
Researchers found that higher-ranking males produced groans with lower minimum fundamental frequencies and to a lesser extent, with lower formant dispersion. Dominance status was the factor most strongly related to mating success, with higher-ranking males having higher mating success.
Researchers analyzed 67 pediatric drugs, finding nearly 1 in 5 required label changes due to life-threatening adverse events. The study highlights the importance of post-marketing surveillance for pediatric safety.
Researchers have grown nanonets, a flexible webbing of nano-scale wires, using titanium disilicide to improve material performance. The nanonets multiply surface area, enhancing the material's ability to conduct electricity and potentially leading to breakthroughs in electronics and energy-harvesting applications.
A new study suggests that short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) may exhibit non-specific therapeutic effects related to immune stimulation. The researchers used a mouse model of influenza and demonstrated that the anti-viral activity of siRNA is mainly due to non-specific stimulation of the immune system.
Researchers discover complex events initiated by individual spikes in the human cerebral cortex, triggered by specific chandelier cells. The study suggests that humans possess different types of cells contributing to higher cognition.
Research highlights the potential benefits of antihypertensive treatment on cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease. Studies show that treating high blood pressure may reduce the incidence of dementia and slow cognitive decline in older adults. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A new brain imaging study reveals that there are optimal times for multitasking, allowing individuals to be more efficient. The research found that certain brain regions show higher activity when people are performing well under multiple tasks.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a computational method to trace evolutionary histories of proteins back to cells or viruses, aiming to settle the debate on which came first. The new approach uses phylogenetic profiles and tree-like diagrams to provide clearer insights into retroelement evolution.
A recent study found that positron emission tomography (PET) scans led to changes in treatment plans for more than half of patients with suspected recurrent colorectal cancer. The study, conducted at four sites in Australia, involved 191 patients and showed that PET scans identified additional disease sites in 48% of patients, allowing...
A study has identified a new gene that may play a key role in the development of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease. The gene, TNFRSF6B, is involved in regulating inflammation and its activity has been linked to the severity of the disease.
A new study published in the Journal of Vision found that fixing a driver's gaze on specific targets along a curve results in smoother and more stable steering. Researchers believe this technique could inform the development of next-generation in-car driving assistance systems.
Researchers found that losing sleep for part of one night activates cellular pathways producing tissue-damaging inflammation, linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders. Good sleep habits may ease this risk.
The use of anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and thrombolytics in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) increases the risk of bleeding, which has emerged as a major contributor to poor outcomes. Careful selection of drugs and measures to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding can help mitigate this risk.
The new guidelines focus on improving diagnostic accuracy and prognostic evaluation of patients with PE. In high-risk cases, immediate thrombolytic treatment is recommended to save lives, while in low-risk cases, anticoagulants are used to prevent future episodes.
Researchers use wave energy to pump cold, nutrient-rich water from deep ocean to surface waters near Hawaii, aiming to control plankton growth. They believe this can help mitigate global greenhouse buildup by understanding large-scale interactions between the atmosphere and ocean.
A US study found that nearly half of all US adults and two-thirds of obese adults will develop symptomatic knee osteoarthritis by age 85. Maintaining a normal weight reduces the risk, according to researchers from the University of North Carolina.
A new study by Kent State professor John Updegraff suggests that finding meaning in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events like 9/11 can help individuals adjust over time. The research found that those who were able to make sense of the attacks coped better, reducing their fears of future terrorism and distress.
A recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that 12% of ophthalmologists use electronic health records, with positive outcomes including increased productivity and cost savings. Researchers also identified factors predicting risk of progression from early to advanced age-related macular degeneration.