Researchers have developed irreversible electroporation (IRE), a minimally invasive technique that uses electric pulses to destroy cancer tissue without heat. The technology has shown promising results in laboratory testing and preclinical mouse models, with complete regression achieved in 92% of treated tumors.
Physicists from Rice and Rutgers universities have published a new theory explaining the complex electronic and magnetic properties of iron pnictides. The research suggests that pnictides exhibit magnetic frustration, which enhances magnetic quantum fluctuations and may be responsible for high-temperature superconductivity.
Scientists predict that rare Amazon tree species could suffer up to 50% extinction rates, while common tree species may survive. The Amazon basin contains about 40% of the world's remaining rainforest, with many rare species present.
Researchers from Michigan State University found that many low-cost over-the-counter hearing aids fail to meet basic fitting requirements and may damage a person's hearing. The study advises consumers to consult with an audiologist for proper fitting and customization.
A new study from the University of Adelaide found that young people from 10 countries have differing attitudes towards sharing housework and a woman's right to an abortion. Young women are more supportive of domestic democracy, while young men are more likely to want to have their say in abortion decisions.
NASA's Mars exploration program aims to analyze Martian samples using tools and instruments on Earth. The program provides a critical component of bringing samples back to Earth, enabling precise measurements and definitive life-detection assays.
A new study published in Personal Relationships found that fluctuations in relationship perceptions are significant to non-marital romantic relationships. Researchers discovered that low levels of perceived intimacy were associated with high levels of relational uncertainty and interference from a partner.
The International Association for Dental Research and American Association for Dental Research have partnered with SAGE to publish the Journal of Dental Research beginning in 2009. The journal will expand its reach through SAGE's marketing capabilities and consortia deals.
A functional link between new neuron production and antidepressant effectiveness has been discovered in an animal model. TrkB-mediated neural proliferation plays a crucial role in this mechanism, supporting the notion that impaired neurogenic niches contribute to refractory responses to antidepressive treatments.
Researchers at UNC School of Public Health studied over 750 Chinese men and women and found that those who used MSG in their food preparation had a higher prevalence of overweight, even when controlling for physical activity and calorie intake. The study suggests that MSG use may be associated with weight gain in humans.
Scientists have successfully detected changes in protein-water networks during protein folding using terahertz absorption spectroscopy. This technique allows for the observation of protein dynamics on a picosecond time scale, revealing new insights into the complex interactions between proteins and water molecules.
Researchers from Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research and Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that climate change may impact the distribution of European plant species. Under moderate climate change and limited land use changes, up to 11% of species could lose more than two-thirds of their current ranges.
The American Psychological Association's task force emphasizes the need for evidence-based practice in treating youth with mental health issues. The approach should be culturally responsive and accessible to all youths, regardless of socioeconomic status or background. The report highlights the benefits of using empirically tested trea...
Researchers found that adolescents who consumed 2 or more servings of dairy per day had higher levels of bone mineral content and density. Dairy was also shown to have a combined beneficial effect when paired with other protein sources, leading to increased bone mineral content over 300 grams.
Researchers discovered autoantibodies to a complementary protein called plasminogen, which plays a key role in blood clotting, in patients with ANCA vasculitis. The findings suggest that protein complementarity may offer new insights into autoimmune diseases.
Iowa State University is developing new technologies for producing and improving biofuels with support from Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) and ConocoPhillips. The projects focus on thermochemical technologies to convert biomass into bio-oil, catalysts for improving bio-oil production, and biorefinery studies.
Scientists have discovered that bumblebees choose whether to search for food according to how stocked their nests are. The team used RFID technology to track the activity of bees in the lab and found that colonies with low food reserves had a stronger response to pheromones, leading to more worker bees becoming active.
Computer scientists develop algorithm to accurately capture hairstyle shape and appearance using multiple cameras and light sources. The method enables photo-realistic images of hairstyles from any angle, creating realistic highlights and animations.
Scientists at Ames Laboratory and Iowa State University develop a new method to produce ethanol from syngas, a gas created by heating biomass under high pressure. This technology has the potential to expand the types of waste materials that can be converted into fuels.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Vaccine Center found that trapping white blood cells in lymph nodes can help mice fight chronic viral infections. FTY720, an experimental drug, prevents white blood cells from leaving lymph nodes, improving immune response against the virus.
Researchers found that deleting furin in helper T cells led to autoimmune disease in mice, highlighting the importance of regulatory and effector T cell balance. The study's findings have implications for developing drugs to increase immune response in diseases like cancer and HIV.
A new study using ecological niche modeling found that small mammals on mountaintops in the Great Basin are not as isolated as previously believed. The research used climate data to 'backcast' species distributions at the height of the last ice age, finding most species lived at lower elevations and had larger ranges.
Emerging genomic technologies are transforming the biofuels industry by enabling the domestication of energy crops and optimizing their conversion into suitable biofuels. Genomics also informs the design of microbial biomass breakdown strategies, including the use of fungi to degrade lignin and yeast to ferment xylose.
Researchers have discovered that broken sections of chromosomes can recombine to form new types of chromosomes, leading to genome diversification. This process is mediated by repeated DNA sequences, which account for half of the human genome.
Researchers found that the brain processes another person's face more efficiently when their gaze is straight ahead. This study, funded by the Academy of Finland, sheds light on emotional reactions to human faces and may aid in diagnosing mental disorders.
Indonesia has experienced the most human cases of bird flu and one of the highest mortality rates due to the disease. Development of better diagnostic methods and improved case management could lead to faster treatment with antiviral drugs, decreasing mortality.
Aerospace engineer Michael Philen has received the Oak Ridge Associated Universities Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Award to develop fluidic flexible matrix composites, which can change modulus on demand. These innovative materials have potential for both government and commercial applications.
A team of researchers has found that trapping white blood cells in the lymph nodes can help mice overcome a chronic viral infection. Experimental drug FTY720, also known as fingolimod, prevents white blood cells from responding to the virus by desensitizing them to sphingosine-1-phosphate.
Researchers discovered that eosinophils release mitochondrial DNA, binding it to toxic granule proteins to form a net that traps and kills bacteria. This mechanism is linked to improved survival rates and lower bacterial numbers in mice with widespread infections.
The International Red Cross has adopted a cholera prevention program developed by Hebrew University students, which was effective in preventing and managing the disease in displaced persons camps. The program aims to increase safe drinking water sources, promote awareness, and improve surveillance and reporting of cholera cases.
Scientists have identified a crucial protein called Lnk that regulates the growth of stem cells in the bone marrow. The findings may aid in improving the success of bone marrow transplants and developing better treatments for blood disorders such as aplastic anemia and severe combined immunodeficiency disorders.
Rice University's Connexions is making a popular elementary statistics textbook available free for fall classes, reducing costs for over 700 students. The book has been used in California community college courses accepted for transfer credit by the University of California.
Research shows air pollution damages heart and blood vessels, leading to increased rates of hospitalization for cardiac illness and even death. Exposure to ultrafine pollutants triggers an inflammatory response that can cause arrhythmias and speed the progression of atherosclerosis.
Dr. Edwin Monuki will study choroid plexus epithelial cells, which produce cerebrospinal fluid to promote normal nervous system health and function. Success in generating these cells could lead to clinical therapies and screens for new drugs for neurological disorders.
California officials have identified 18 cases of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) between 1993 and 2006. The state has also seen a rising trend of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) cases, with XDR TB being resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have discovered that flesh-eating bacteria can survive and spread in the body by degrading a key immune defense molecule. By inactivating this molecule, white blood cells become slower and weaker, allowing infections to spread out of control.
Researchers have successfully selected two sites for a pioneering seafloor laboratory off Washington and Oregon, thanks to the help of Sentry, an autonomous underwater vehicle. The lab will explore the ocean's ability to absorb greenhouse gases and study seafloor stresses that cause earthquakes and tsunamis.
The Declaration of Istanbul condemns unethical practices in organ donation and transplantation, urging governments to safeguard patient safety and prevent organ trafficking. The document promotes deceased organ donation and living donor protection.
A US study found numerous errors in the testing process at family medicine clinics, with adverse consequences more common for minority patients. The research highlights the need for office-by-office improvements to mitigate these errors and reduce harm.
A new study reveals that a history of sexually transmitted disease increases the risk of sexual dysfunction in older adults. The study found that physical health and mental health are significant factors contributing to sexual problems in both men and women, with certain demographics experiencing specific challenges.
A team of researchers has developed a technique to examine tiny protein molecules called peptides on the surface of a gold nanoparticle, offering promise for designing and manufacturing novel materials at the nanoscale. This breakthrough allows for the creation of complex nanomachines and potentially new medical applications.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has named 30 individuals as its 2008 Fellows, honoring their significant contributions to radiation oncology. The recipients have demonstrated excellence in research, patient care, education, and leadership, making them outstanding professionals in the field.
A new USC study found that overweight Hispanic children are at significant risk for pre-diabetes, with persistent pre-diabetes during growth associated with progression towards type 2 diabetes. The study highlights the importance of regular monitoring of these children to detect potential risks early.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a rare case of an individual with HIV who remains symptom-free without treatment, attributed to the strength of their immune system. The study's findings offer hope for vaccine development and understanding of how immune cells can effectively halt disease progression.
Recent H9N2 viruses can transmit to ferrets in direct contact, but aerosol transmission is not observed. A single amino acid residue at the receptor-binding site plays a major role in transmission. The study suggests that establishment and prevalence of H9N2 viruses in poultry pose a significant threat to humans.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that targeted radiation therapy can eradicate all signs of disease in up to 21% of patients with stage-IV cancer who have only a few sites of metastasis. The treatment was well-tolerated, with limited side effects, and showed promising results in controlling tumor growth.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that miR-126 is essential for creating new vessels in developing embryos and repair of injured blood vessels. However, its role in maintaining established vascular systems is unclear.
A new study suggests that global warming may lead to fewer hurricanes forming, but those that do could intensify. The research uses more accurate computer models to simulate hurricane formation and finds that warmer ocean temperatures suppress formation rather than encouraging it.
A study led by M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that risk assessment can help determine the probability of breast cancer recurrence, allowing clinicians to make informed decisions about extended therapy. The research analyzed data from 2,838 women diagnosed with Stage I-III breast cancers and treated with adjuvant systemic therapy.
A school-based intervention reduced post-traumatic stress symptoms and maintained hope among Indonesian children exposed to political violence, but did not address other mental health issues. The program showed moderate success for girls, with no impact on boys.
Researchers found that cyclic compression of muscles after intense exercise reduced swelling and muscle damage in a study using animals. The massaged muscles recovered an estimated 60% of strength and had fewer damaged muscle fibers compared to rested muscles.
Researchers from UC San Diego have developed a new method to generate high-quality textures for 3D video games using noise, resulting in reduced memory usage and improved image quality. The approach eliminates traditional methods of hand-painting images, offering a cost-effective solution for game developers.
A study published in JAMA found that Liberian fighters who experienced sexual violence had worse mental health outcomes than non-combatants and other former combatants. The research revealed higher rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and thoughts of suicide among those who were exposed to sexual violence.
A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that losing weight soon after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis can lead to better blood pressure and blood sugar control. The study followed over 2,500 adults with type 2 diabetes for four years and showed that those who lost weight were up to twice as likely to achieve their targets.
A new study suggests that Burmese pythons will not be able to find suitable habitats outside of South Florida, despite initial predictions by the USGS. The researchers used advanced climate models to predict the potential distribution of the snakes in the US and found that they are limited to the vicinity of the Everglades.
A combination of S-1 and irinotecan appears to offer a promising alternative to standard treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer, with similar response rates and progression-free survival. The experimental therapy resulted in less severe side effects compared to platinum-based chemotherapy regimens.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases reveals that adverse reactions to antibiotics cause an estimated 142,000 emergency department visits per year in the United States. The majority of these reactions are allergic, with over 80% being related to penicillins and other antibiotics.
Researchers discovered medulloblastomas arise from granule cells and only if they are fully committed. They also found protein Olig2 influences cancer cell formation and multiplication. This knowledge could lead to targeted therapies for childhood brain tumors.
The western Amazon, home to the most biodiverse rainforest left on Earth, is at risk from oil and gas projects. Over 180 blocks cover nearly 688,000 km2, overlapping with protected areas and indigenous territories. The study highlights the need for regional Strategic Environmental Assessments and indigenous rights protection.
A randomized trial found that radical prostatectomy reduces prostate cancer death rates, with benefits lasting beyond 10 years. However, the applicability of these results to modern prostate cancer patients is unclear due to the widespread use of PSA screening.