Scientists at the University of Manchester have created a new method for attaching active proteins to chips, enabling quick testing for serious diseases and rapid discovery of new drugs. This breakthrough could lead to the development of large-scale protein arrays that can analyze thousands of proteins simultaneously.
MSU scientist Darla Goeres is developing standardized methods to measure the effectiveness of antimicrobial products against biofilms. This work aims to improve public trust in product efficacy claims.
Research reveals that elephant legs are much bendier than Shakespeare's depiction, with joints flexing significantly during locomotion. Studies also show that the animals' mobility range is comparable to that of trotting horses.
Researchers found that hotel bathroom signs focusing on environmental benefits were less effective than those highlighting participation rates, increasing reuse rates from 35.1% to 44.1%. Normative messages about the norm, which was never used by hotel chains, also spurred significant increases in towel re-use.
A study found that healthy individuals are more willing to take enhancement drugs for traits not fundamental to their identity, such as improving concentration. However, they are less likely to agree to enhance traits considered essential to their self-identity.
University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers have developed a gene therapy virus to target ovarian cancer cells. The adenovirus-based approach has shown anti-tumor effects that appear safe for most patients, according to Drs. David T. Curiel and Ronald Alvarez.
The study provides an accurate picture of XXYY syndrome, identifying unique medical and psychological characteristics, including cardiac abnormalities, dental problems, and learning disabilities. Treatment recommendations focus on targeted therapies for behaviors, emotional problems, and community services to support independent living.
Researchers at the University of Bonn discover brown dwarfs must be treated as a separate class due to their unique mass distribution and 'mating behaviour'. This reclassification challenges current understanding of stellar formation and population dynamics.
A new study introduces the participatory action research paradigm, which aims to help people and employ different methodologies from traditional consumer research. The authors examined three categories of participatory action research, revealing important benefits and ideas for improvement.
A comprehensive strategy on technological innovations is crucial to prevent the impending economic crisis in health care. Advanced technologies such as biomeasurement, bioinformatics, and health information technologies will be required to improve disease prevention and efficient care.
A study by Deborah A. Small and Uri Simonsohn found that people become more sympathetic towards victims suffering from the same misfortune as a close relationship, leading to increased donations to charities supporting those causes. The researchers recreated this phenomenon in an experiment where participants formed new friendships and...
Research finds that dense breast tissue promotes aggressive cancer cells, as breast cancer cells in denser surroundings step up their invasive activities. The study suggests a cellular mechanism linking human breast tissue density and tumor aggressiveness.
Scientists have pinpointed the FCER1A gene as a major factor in allergic diseases, influencing IgE antibody production and leading to conditions like hay fever and asthma. The discovery has potential for guiding new drug development.
Researchers from UC San Diego and the University of Arizona conducted three months of rigorous earthquake simulation tests on a half-scale three-story structure, producing powerful jolts up to magnitude 8.0. The project aims to develop better designs for precast concrete buildings and improve their connections to resist earthquakes.
A new resource called Proteopedia links written information with interactive 3D images of biomacromolecules, enabling easy creation and editing by users. By integrating 3D structures with descriptive text, Proteopedia aims to make complex structural information comprehensible to all.
A new study in Journal of Consumer Research found that donors are more likely to respond to appeals involving negative emotions and a sense of obligation, rather than benefits to themselves. The research highlights the importance of empathy and altruism in driving charitable donations.
Research found that small packages trigger consumers to give in to temptation, while large packages are perceived as innocent pleasures, leading to overindulgence. Consumers believe that small packages help regulate hedonistic consumption, but reality shows the opposite.
Researchers at Texas Instruments have developed a low-cost, portable spirometer using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology. The device can measure airflow and volume in a patient's lungs and is ideal for remote monitoring by healthcare workers.
A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that mini-packs and 100-calorie packages can undermine dieters' calorie control. Researchers discovered that chronic dieters tend to overconsume these small portions due to their perception of them as 'diet food'.
A team of Yale undergraduates collected and analyzed 135 endophytes from plants in the Amazon rainforest, discovering dozens with potential bioactivity. The study's findings highlight the vast scientific potential of tropical areas and the importance of preserving these microorganisms.
A new study reveals that H. pylori bacteria can exploit stomach cells to protect themselves from the immune system, increasing the risk of stomach cancer. The bacteria's interaction with gastric cells triggers a receptor called Decay-accelerating factor (DAF), which reduces immune damage and promotes chronic inflammation.
Researchers developed a tool, Distribution Builder, to help investors understand their risk attitudes and make informed decisions. The tool estimates unacceptable risk levels using probability distributions, enabling users to construct better preferences.
Researchers found that associating binge drinking with graduate students reduced junk food consumption by 28%. Linking unhealthy behaviors to an 'outgroup' can be a successful strategy for improving consumer health. By shifting perceptions of identity associated with risky behaviors, better health outcomes can be achieved.
A new study at Montana State University's Western Transportation Institute will use in-car cameras to monitor the effect of Montana's driver's education modules on teen attitudes and behaviors behind the wheel. Researchers aim to understand how these programs can help teens become better drivers and reduce fatal car accidents.
A new study found that focusing on the social benefits of having a beautiful smile is effective in improving dental hygiene habits among new immigrants. The research also shows that families from less acculturated backgrounds are more responsive to such messages.
Researchers in India developed an X-ray image analysis technique that detects the early stages of tooth decay by analyzing X-ray wavelengths. This method could help save affected teeth and prevent tooth loss.
A recent study published in BMC Cancer found that women who experienced multiple negative life events are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. The research, conducted by Professor Ronit Peled and her team, suggests that a general feeling of happiness and optimism can play a protective role against the disease.
A new study by Debabrata Talukdar found that low-income households pay more for groceries without access to a car. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'ghetto tax,' is largely driven by the higher prices charged at corner stores, which lack competition from larger regional or national chains.
A new collaborative study explores how operations research can maximize efficient use of limited resources, including antiretroviral drugs and medical personnel. The researchers show that using mathematical modeling approaches can help plan national drug distribution systems and predict demand for services.
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.