Researchers have found that cocaine-induced synaptic plasticity plays a crucial role in addiction development. By selectively switching off specific protein components, scientists have been able to induce persistent addictive behavior in mice.
The study found that recall of spoken digits was best when they came from the same loudspeaker, but degraded when switching attention to a new location. Sustaining attention to one continuous auditory stream led to refinements in selective attention over time.
Researchers have found that a common treatment for advanced prostate cancer can actually cause some cancer cells to grow, rather than stopping them. The androgen receptor plays a versatile role in the disease, acting as both a tumor promoter and suppressor in different cell types.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin report promising results using drugs to inhibit angiogenesis in rat models of glioblastoma, a deadly brain tumor. Tumor size was reduced by 50-70% and survival time increased by 5-7 days
A large trial found significant improvements in quality of life, sleep and joint pain for post-menopausal women on hormone replacement therapy. Researchers also noted improved sexuality among participants.
Researchers at UTMB have tested a new universal vaccine effective against multiple influenza strains, with promising results in a Phase I clinical trial. The vaccine candidate, VaxInnate's M2e, could provide a safe and highly effective solution to prevent seasonal and pandemic influenza A.
Researchers found that simultaneously inhibiting the mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways enhanced antitumor effects in mouse models of prostate and breast cancer. This dual inhibition was particularly effective against aggressive forms of the disease, leading to a potential breakthrough for combination therapy.
Researchers explore climate change through corals and bat guano, as well as the Mississippi Delta's complex history of uplift and subsidence. Additionally, a study reveals that mantle upwelling controls the depth of fast-spreading ridges, while asteroid dust found in Antarctic ice provides insight into the Koronis asteroids.
A Monash University scientist has discovered that appetite-suppressing cells in the human brain degenerate over time, leading to increased hunger and potential weight gain. The research found that free radicals attack these cells after eating meals rich in carbohydrates and sugars.
Researchers have traced the origin of Tahitian vanilla to tropical forests of Guatemala, where it began as a pre-Columbian Maya cultivar. The team used genetic analysis to confirm that Tahitian vanilla is a hybrid offspring between two native species in Central America.
Salmonella bacteria use random molecular processes during cell division to form two groups that engage in job-sharing, with one group sacrificing itself to generate a greater common good. This phenomenon allows the bacteria to improve their chances of survival and spread in the gut.
A team of Wisconsin scientists has discovered how a simple genetic switch controls decorative traits in male fruit flies, shedding light on the evolution of male lion manes, bull moose antlers and peacock tails.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a rapid test that can detect multiple diseases and antibiotic resistance in a single sample, reducing the diagnosis time from days to just 24 hours. The test has the potential to improve clinical diagnosis of animal and human infections, as well as enhance our response to bioterrori...
A Kansas State University research team aims to understand the connection between distillers' grains and E. coli O157:H7 in cattle. The study investigates novel strategies to mitigate potential risks, including administering probiotics and feeding brown seaweed.
Researchers have developed a novel imaging approach using fluorocarbon labeling to visualize cell populations of interest in living bodies. This technology enables non-invasive location, tracking, and counting of specific immune cells, aiding cancer research and treatment.
A group of institutions, including Rutgers University, will conduct five-year research into complex computational problems, with potential benefits for cryptography and other fields. The study aims to unlock secrets of intractability, a branch of mathematics that seeks to understand why certain problems are hard to compute.
A Virginia Tech researcher has developed a novel fermentation process using microalgae to produce omega-3 fatty acids from crude glycerol, a byproduct of the emerging biodiesel industry. The resulting algae biomass can be used as animal feed, mimicking a natural process where fish retain healthful compounds.
A new study found that young women with positive emotional states and high levels of happiness are less likely to develop breast cancer. However, women who have experienced multiple severe or mild negative life events are at higher risk for the disease. The researchers suggest that a general feeling of happiness can play a protective r...
The analysis of Trichoplax adhaerens' genome sheds light on the ancestral relationship between placozoans and other animals, revealing a complex suite of genes and signaling pathways. The findings also suggest that placozoans may have played a more significant role in animal evolution than previously thought.
A 21-year-old amateur bodybuilder suffered from anabolic steroid-induced acne conglobata, leading to deep ulcerations and abscesses. Discontinuing steroid use improved skin lesions, but extensive scarring is expected to remain lifelong.
Researchers at University of Western Ontario developed a method to tap into automatic mental associations of undecided individuals, predicting their future decisions on controversial issues. The implicit association test was used to analyze participants' responses, showing significant correlations between initial and final beliefs.
Researchers found molecule LED209 interferes with biochemical signals causing bacteria to release toxins, allowing pathogen to grow but not become virulent. The study showed potential new way to combat illness and develop novel antimicrobial compounds targeting bacterial pathogens.
Researchers describe a new computer-based technique to identify tau protein structures associated with Alzheimer's disease, offering hope for new treatments. By analyzing experimental data, they found one structure likely to play a role in the pathologic process.
The Academy of Natural Sciences has received a $99,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to digitize approximately 9,000 sheets of mostly Latin American and African type plant specimens. This will enable researchers to access these valuable resources online, complementing their research in large herbaria and libraries.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identified a new virus, AgDNV, infecting Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The virus, a densovirus, could be used to pass on genetic information to control malaria transmission.
Research finds that children exposed to pets, suffering from early respiratory or ear infections, and growing up in large families are more likely to become adult snorers. Additionally, these factors may enhance inflammatory processes and alter upper airway anatomy, increasing the risk of adult snoring.
A new report by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the University of Minnesota links tobacco industry marketing to increased youth smoking, concluding that such marketing causes young people to begin smoking. The report recommends effective strategies to prevent further increase in youth smoking.
A new observational study describes the world's weather patterns and climate influences by revealing four distinct atmospheric circulation cells. The cells create temperature and wind distribution in the mid-latitudes, including the UK, Europe, and US, which was previously not fully understood.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that senescent liver cells can orchestrate a sequence of events that limit fibrosis, a natural response to acute damage. This discovery suggests a new therapeutic approach for human patients with precursors of serious liver diseases.
Children's rejection of medicine is a complex issue influenced by genetics, early experiences, and cultural factors. Research suggests that genetic variations in the TAS2R38 gene contribute to increased sensitivity to bitter tastes, which can be leveraged to create more palatable medicines.
A recent study suggests that New York City faces a substantial earthquake risk due to the presence of subtle but active faults. The research indicates that magnitude 5 quakes, strong enough to cause damage, should be routinely expected every 100 years, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the densely populated area.
Simultaneous inhibition of two signaling pathways, mTOR and MAPK, resulted in enhanced antitumor effects in mouse models of prostate and breast cancer. This combination therapy may improve the treatment of human cancers, particularly for patients with advanced, hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
Greg Ganger, a Carnegie Mellon professor, will collaborate with HP Labs on a research initiative focused on data storage infrastructure issues. The award includes on-campus support for one graduate student researcher and aims to strengthen the collaboration between HP's scalable storage researchers and Carnegie Mellon's Parallel Data Lab.
Research found obesity in older people increases mobility problems and everyday task difficulties, but doesn't significantly impact mortality rates. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to advise older adults on weight management and encourage physical activity to reduce disability burden.
A new biopesticide has been developed for use on organic crops, offering a natural alternative to synthetic pesticides. The product is safe for humans, animals, and the environment, and will be available this October for conventional growers.
A team of US engineers has successfully developed software that enables deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans to communicate using American Sign Language (ASL) over mobile phones. The breakthrough allows for real-time video communication, making it a significant improvement over text messaging, which can convey emotion but is slower.
Two face transplants have shown promising results, with one patient recovering fully from a bear attack two years ago and another successfully treating a large facial tumor. The procedures involved allograft tissue transplantation and immunomodulatory drugs to prevent rejection.
A consortium of researchers is undertaking a five-year initiative to improve diagnosis and treatment of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). The Department of Defense has awarded $35 million to support the project, which aims to develop innovative methods for diagnosing and treating MTBI. The research will focus on basic and clinical st...
Researchers found two distinct species of grouper in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, despite their identical physical appearance. The study reveals that the Pacific grouper is a separate species from the Atlantic goliath grouper.
Research led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identifies a previously unrecognized problem faced by mTORC1 inhibitors: activating the MAPK pathway, which encourages cancer cell survival. Scientists found that combining mTORC1 and MAPK inhibitors may offer a new treatment option for cancer patients.
Ohio State University researchers have developed coatings that encourage neurons in the body to grow and connect with electrodes, boosting implant effectiveness. The coatings, which release neurotrophins over time, show promise for treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease and macular degeneration.
A study by Sheffield University and the University of St. Andrews found that relearning can trigger forgotten information when forgetting is induced by directional decay in synaptic connectivity. This suggests that evolution may have selected physiological mechanisms involving forgetting using a form of synaptic drift.
Dinoflagellates have evolved a unique way to pack their genetic material into compact chromosomes without using histones. This discovery raises questions about the evolution of chromosomes and whether dinoflagellates once had histones but lost them. The study provides new insights into the biochemical basis of chromosome formation.
Research by Jürgen Scheffran suggests climate change could trigger wars and conflicts due to resource scarcity and environmental degradation. The expert recommends addressing climate change through international cooperation and national policy.