A mouse model study reveals that a mutated Hoxd13 protein directly induces extra digits and indirectly promotes cartilage formation, leading to syndpolydactyly. Intrauterine treatment with retinoic acid restores normal digit formation.
A new study found that marketing messages in people's native languages are more effective at evoking emotions than those in foreign languages. The researchers believe this effect is due to personal memories and language context, which are more accessible when the message is written in the consumer's native tongue.
University of Texas Medical Branch researchers have identified a promising new target for colon cancer therapy by mapping the biochemical pathway critical to the spread of tumors. High levels of the enzyme Akt2 are found in association with other cancers, and its inhibition shows promise in stopping colon cancer's spread.
A new report suggests that current licensing policies are contributing to a surge in 'pre-drinking' among young people. Pre-drinking involves planned heavy drinking before attending social events, often resulting in increased alcohol consumption and negative consequences. The authors propose a comprehensive strategy to reduce pre-drink...
A study by Kurt Gray and Daniel Wegner found that participants who believed they were getting an electrical shock from another person on purpose rated the shock as more painful. In contrast, those given shocks unintentionally habituated to the pain over time.
Researchers found that initial questions deplete self-control resources, making consumers more vulnerable to persuasion. This strategy increases donations and compliance with charitable requests.
Researchers discovered that blocking proteins produced by the MYC oncogene can halt ovarian cancer cell proliferation. Using RNA interference, they silenced c-Myc and L-Myc proteins in lab cultures with amplified MYC, preventing cancer cell growth.
Researchers have developed a new system of scoring IQ tests for children with fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder causing intellectual disabilities. The new method provides a more accurate assessment of the long-term learning potential of these children, helping parents and physicians diagnose and treat them more effectively.
Researchers have identified a new genetic cause of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), also known as 'Boy in the bubble syndrome'. A mutation in the DNA-PKcs gene has been found to be associated with T-B SCID, where patients lack both T and B cells. Further analysis revealed that the mutant protein retained kinase activity but was...
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is presenting numerous awards to recognize excellence in various fields of aerospace science. These awards are given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the academic profession, literature, and innovation in propulsion and combustion.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence in early-stage breast cancer survivors who do not experience hot flashes. This subgroup of patients typically faces higher recurrence rates and lower survival rates compared to those with hot flashes.
Long-term measurements of atmospheric gases suggest that air masses are moving more slowly than expected, potentially impacting ozone layer recovery. Researchers urge further study to understand the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon and its implications for climate models.
Researchers found that unmarried fathers involved during pregnancy are more likely to remain involved in raising their child at age three. The pre-natal months are critical for building a stable family life, according to the study.
The University of Virginia is conducting a new project, APOGEE, as part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III to study the chemical and dynamical fingerprints of Milky Way red giant stars. The team aims to understand the assembly of the Milky Way galaxy and its evolution.
Researchers detected a stream of perfectly intact hydrogen atoms shooting out of an X-class solar flare, surprising scientists. The discovery suggests that all strong flares might emit hydrogen bursts, which could be detected using the NASA's STEREO spacecraft.
NASA instruments have observed the boundary between the Earth's upper atmosphere and space has moved to extraordinarily low altitudes, with measurements taken by the Coupled Ion Neutral Dynamics Investigation (CINDI) instrument suite on an Air Force satellite.
A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that individuals with sleep-related breathing disorders tend to burn more calories when resting. The research, which assessed 212 adults, showed a significant association between the severity of breathing disorders and increased energy expenditure.
A recent study published in Genome Research has mapped genomic translocations to base pair resolution, revealing a heavily rearranged genetic blueprint in breast cancer cells. The research highlights the importance of DNA repair machinery and identifies potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Scientists have developed a new method for converting adult cells into embryonic stem cell-like cells using a single virus, cutting the number of viruses used from four to one. This approach eliminates the risks associated with multiple viruses and could potentially be used to treat diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes.
Research finds that depression and anxiety are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, particularly smoking and physical inactivity. A study of over 6,500 participants found that these factors alone accounted for nearly two-thirds of the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular illnesses.
GUMC researchers discovered PTPRD gene inactivation in melanoma and glioblastoma, a potential tumor suppressor role. The findings suggest a wide applicability of PTPRD in various cancers, paving the way for novel therapy.
A new study found that consuming a single chocolate truffle can induce cravings for fatty foods and awaken desires for luxury items. Researchers discovered that people who were allowed to eat the truffle unconsciously activated a goal of indulgence, leading them to desire more treats.
A study of California adults found that interruptions in Medicaid coverage are associated with a higher rate of hospitalization for common health conditions. States require frequent reenrollment, leading to gaps in coverage and increased hospital spending.
Researchers at Erasmus Medical Center have identified a new genetic cause of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), also known as 'Boy in the bubble syndrome'. A mutation in the DNA-PKcs gene is found to be responsible for the disease, leading to impaired T cell and B cell development.
Researchers have discovered two giant plumes of hot rock deep within the earth linked to plate motions that shape the continents. The superplumes, one beneath Hawaii and the other beneath Africa, are surrounded by a wall of plates from Earth's crust that have sunk into the mantle.
The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation has pledged $3 million to support the construction of a new Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry building. The gift will help alleviate the shortage of dentists in Georgia, with the school increasing its class size from 63 to 100 and residency positions from 44 to 72.
A CU-Boulder study suggests a single plume of hot material drove the migration of volcanic activity on Mars. The theory, proposed by Shijie Zhong, explains how the Tharsis Rise region formed and how the Crustal Dichotomy's crust moved relative to the underlying mantle.
A University of Colorado study predicts dramatic changes for Rocky Mountain ski areas due to climate warming, including shortened ski seasons and higher snowlines. To adapt, resorts must expand operations to higher elevations and invest in gondola transportation systems and increased snowmaking efforts.
The study shows that many young adults in their 16-24 age group face emotional turmoil while juggling caring responsibilities with education and personal life. Personal experiences highlight the need for support and awareness to enable these young individuals to succeed.
A church-based initiative in St. Louis increased first-time African-American blood donations by 60%, with nearly 700 participants donating blood over three years. The Sickle Cell Sabbath Program educated predominantly African-American churches about sickle cell disease and its benefits, leading to more donors.
A secondary analysis of a large clinical trial found that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence by approximately 31 percent in women without hot flashes. Women with estrogen receptor-positive cancers often receive hormone therapy to combat circulating estrogen levels.
A new study uncovers 11 gene variants associated with three blood lipids measured to determine cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers believe that these variants could lead to precise dietary recommendations for individuals at risk, such as carriers of certain gene variants who may benefit from low-cholesterol or Mediterranean diets.
A survey by the University of Texas at Austin found that bicyclists in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio are more concerned with vehicle crashes than others. The study also revealed that 70% of respondents consider biking to be very or somewhat dangerous due to traffic accidents, while only 21% fear crime-related incidents.
Scientists have developed new pre-clinical tests that successfully reproduced the devastating reaction suffered by six volunteers in the 2006 Northwick Park trial. The new tests use a mixed human cell culture and drying the drug onto a plastic surface, providing a more reliable indicator of how the drug will react in humans.
Engineers at the University of Michigan have developed a carbon nanotube-coated smart yarn that can detect blood and monitor health. The yarn, made from a combination of natural cotton and nanotechnology, is flexible and durable, making it suitable for wearable applications.
Researchers found PSD-95 stimulates the growth of large dendritic spines that are connected to multiple axons. Reducing PSD-95 levels impairs synapse development.
Research found that drinking and high-activity MAOA can predict the risk of impulsive violence, while aging may decrease this risk. Coaching and psychopharmacological treatment may help control violent behaviors in high-activity MAOA offenders.
Research by Michigan State University scientists found that monoculture corn landscapes reduce beneficial insects' ability to control pests, increasing pesticide use and yield losses. The study estimates the value of biological pest control service in soybeans to be about $240 million each year.
A University of Colorado at Boulder study reveals that periodic 'breathing' of the Earth's upper atmosphere is triggered by cyclic solar wind disturbances, which can alter satellite drag and cause communication disruptions. The findings should improve models for tracking satellites and predicting electronic communication issues.
Researchers discovered the MLL-AF4 protein binds to over 169 genes in cancer cells, hijacking blood stem cell machinery and causing cancerous cell division. This understanding may lead to new drug targets for treating mixed-lineage leukemia.
A professor of political science argues for a national policy on culture in the legal system. She proposes three conditions to reduce false claims of cultural defense, including membership in the ethnic group, tradition adherence, and influence on actions.
A study by researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that nearly three-quarters of youths with type 1 diabetes have insufficient levels of vitamin D, which may lead to bone fragility and increased fracture risk. The study recommends vitamin D supplementation to children with diabetes, especially those with inadequate sun exposure and...
Researchers found that adding a subordinate elite tier to a top-tier program enhances perceptions of status, while diluting the perception of status occurs when too many elites are added. The study shows that customers value exclusive programs even if they don't qualify for the highest tiers.
Researchers have developed a new class of fluorescent probes called hydrocyanines to detect reactive oxygen species. The dyes can be used for deep tissue imaging in vivo and show promise for detecting overproduction of reactive oxygen species at an early stage, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis of inflammatory diseases.
Researchers found that using gross messages in bathrooms increased handwashing among females by 26% and males by 8%. The 'gross factor' was key to sticking the message, outperforming germ or sickness-based approaches.
A new study by Yu Chen found that buying and viewing art share similar benefits, including the desire for aesthetics, sociality, and novelty. Collectors and visitors to galleries share common values but differ in their motivations, with collectors seeking a long-term intimate relationship with artworks.
Researchers found that men tend to use heavier intoxication words like 'hammered,' while women use more moderate terms like 'tipsy.' This could mislead women about their level of intoxication and driving ability.
A new study by University of Chicago researchers found that consumers prefer products with more specifications, even meaningless ones. Participants chose between digital cameras, towels, and other products, prioritizing those with the most specs.
Researchers found that hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke program increased adherence to national recommendations, with a significant increase in guideline-based care. The study showed that all hospitals improved, regardless of size or geography, and there is still room for improvement.
A study by University of Rhode Island scientists finds that elevated CO2 levels will reduce jumbo squid's oxygen consumption rate and activity levels, affecting their feeding behavior. The researchers predict that the squids may migrate to northern climes to escape CO2 and oxygen stress.
Researchers found that objectively measured snoring intensity is correlated with subjective sleepiness, independent of AHI, in patients with moderate to severe OSA. The study suggests that quantitative measurements of snoring are desirable in ordinary sleep studies.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research identifies four product claim structures that can be more effective in different situations. Consumers employ different logical strategies to counteract pitches, with alternative causes and disabling conditions affecting believability.
Research suggests FHL1 enhances transcription factor NFATc1 activity to promote muscle hypertrophy. Overexpressing FHL1 in mice and myoblasts resulted in increased strength and endurance.
Research found that residents with advanced degrees and those in general surgery training were more likely to discontinue graduate medical education. The study of 795 graduates from a single institution revealed that 47 residents did not complete GME in their initial specialty, with many pursuing research-based careers.
Researchers found that using science or God to explain ultimate questions can manipulate people's attitudes towards the other. Those who use God as an explanation display a more positive association with God and a negative association with science.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine has found that individuals with visual impairment caused by cataracts are disproportionately represented among the poor. The research analyzed data from Kenya, the Philippines, and Bangladesh to determine the relationship between poverty and blindness, revealing a significant association.
A new technique allows for the simultaneous tracking of gene expression and movement in Drosophila flies, enabling researchers to study correlations between behavior, gene expression, and aging. The method uses green fluorescent protein (GFP) and specially modified video cameras to track movement and quantify GFP expression in real-time.
A three-year study involving over 3,400 chronically ill seniors found that deaths among patients in a proactive care management program were significantly lower than those in the control group. Hospitalizations were also slightly lower for patients in the intervention group, with a notable benefit for those with diabetes.
Researchers discovered a significant association between psoriasis and high levels of leptin, an obesity-related hormone that contributes to metabolic abnormalities. The study also found that body weight loss can decrease leptin levels and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified prostaglandin-E2 receptors as crucial players in atherosclerosis development. Mice with impaired EP4 receptors showed reduced atherosclerosis and increased macrophage programmed cell death, highlighting the importance of these signaling pathways in disease progression.