A team of scientists has discovered a new pathway for sound transmission in Cuvier's beaked whales using finite element modeling and computed tomography scanning. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that noise vibrations travel through the lower jaw to reach the ear complex, instead revealing a unique fatty channel.
Young infants can detect small changes in the number and identity of objects, and these abilities are processed by distinct neural pathways. The study found that the infant brain responds to both changes in different brain regions, similar to adults.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that an appetite-controlling hormone named leptin also affects the immune system, while natural versions of certain steroids do not. Leptin supports white blood cell production and enhances immune function in obese individuals.
Researchers aim to create flapping-wing aircraft that can hover and perch, like birds and bats, which outperform man-made planes in efficiency. By studying the aerodynamics of natural flyers, engineers hope to develop vehicles capable of performing missions in uncertain environments.
Researchers identified a region on HIP1 that could bind HIPPI, potentially leading to the degeneration of nerve cells. By targeting this interaction, they hope to design a drug that can prevent the disease.
A new study suggests that antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV can also protect people from getting the AIDS virus, especially when two drugs are taken in combination before exposure to the virus. The best protection was seen in macaques that received a combination of two drugs, with all being protected from infection.
A new UCLA Medical Center study shows that select patients age 65 and older can safely undergo lung transplantation with acceptable outcomes. The study found similar survival rates between younger and older patients, suggesting that age should not preclude patients from the procedure.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that grapefruit compound naringenin can block the secretion of hepatitis C virus from infected cells, a key step in maintaining chronic infection. This finding suggests that combining naringenin with antiviral medication may allow patients to clear the virus from their livers.
The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in Melbourne received a $20 million NHMRC grant to develop new ways of detecting and treating colon cancer, the most common form of cancer in Australia. The research will focus on five key projects relating to genetic causes, biomarkers, and therapies for colon cancer.
The University of Leeds team has secured a £2 million grant to study the changes in behavior and properties of nano-scale systems within the terahertz region. By examining these systems with terahertz radiation, the researchers aim to develop new nano-scale electronic devices for sensing, imaging, and spectroscopy applications.
Scientists have sequenced the genome of a rare cyanobacterium that produces an even rarer form of chlorophyll, enabling it to harness near-infrared light. This breakthrough could lead to genetically altered plants that can store and generate solar energy, increasing photosynthesis efficiency.
A geologist at the University of Leicester has proposed an enormous exhibition to showcase the Earth's 64-million-year history, highlighting the brevity of human civilization. The massive core would measure 1.5km long, with key events marked along its length, including the evolution of humans and past climactic upheavals.
Researchers found that increasing ER calcium levels partially restored mutant lysosomal enzyme homeostasis in cell lines. Diltiazem and verapamil, L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, achieved this through a Ca2+ ion-mediated upregulation of chaperones, potentially treating neuropathic storage diseases.
UT Southwestern researchers have determined the specific way in which PCSK9 disrupts LDL receptor activity, leading to increased 'bad' cholesterol levels. By designing targeted antibodies to disrupt this interaction, they aim to develop a new class of drugs to lower cholesterol.
A new study found that eyeblink conditioning can identify children with probable fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and those without distinctive FAS features. Researchers used eyeblink conditioning in five-year-old children born to mixed-ancestry women, finding a deficit in this area related to prenatal alcohol exposure.
In a breakthrough study, targeting astrocytes in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) doubles the lifespan of affected animals. This finding suggests that astrocytes, support cells essential for neuronal function, may be viable targets to slow disease progression and extend life expectancy.
A new rodent study found that chronic drinking can lead to severe pneumonia following surgery, impairing the immune system's ability to fight off infections. The study suggests that patients considering surgery should control their drinking habits and be honest about their consumption levels with doctors.
New research reveals that parental drinking habits directly impact adolescent drinking behaviors, as well as indirectly through perceptions of parenting. Monitoring and discipline are found to be strong intermediary roles in associations between parental and adolescent drinking behaviors.
A new study reveals that acculturation can have varying effects on men and women's drinking habits along the Texas-Mexico border. Researchers found that immigrant groups who acculturate to mainstream America tend to experience more alcohol-related problems, but this impact differs by gender.
Researchers identified a new inherited dystonia syndrome, DYT16, characterized by axial muscle involvement and sardonic smile. The condition is caused by a mutation in the PRKRA gene and follows a recessive mode of inheritance.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine implemented clinical patient safety interventions to standardize communication and interpretation of fetal monitoring, leading to a 60% decrease in adverse events over 2.5 years. The staff's perception of the safety climate also increased by 30%.
Ustekinumab therapy maintains clinically meaningful improvement in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis through 1 year, with 87% and 91% of patients sustaining a 75% PASI improvement. The study also found sustained response rates at 66% and 73% for PASI 90.
A study by Yale University researchers has identified a gene, ENPP1, linked to preterm birth and low birth weight in Hispanic women. The study found that this variant of the gene may be associated with deranged energy metabolism, a possible explanation for preterm births.
A study published in the journal SLEEP found that a brief daytime nap (45 minutes) benefits declarative memory performance. The results suggest that there is a threshold acquisition level required for sleep to optimally process memories, and this finding has implications for adults' nightly sleep recommendations.
The US Senate Special Committee on Aging heard a call to develop mobile polling to improve access to voting for older Americans, who face significant barriers due to geographical distances and lack of transportation. Dr. Jason Karlawish recommends using mobile polling to encourage registrations and assist with voting at long-term care ...
The US is likely to miss its goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2010 due to high latent TB infection rates among certain groups, including those living below the poverty line and foreign-born individuals.
Researchers found that increasing core body temperature improved vigilance, while decreasing skin temperature enhanced wakefulness in narcoleptic subjects. The study used a thermosuit to manipulate skin temperature and hot or cold food/drinks to adjust core body temperature.
New study reveals that timing of IL-7 treatment is crucial for enhancing antiviral immunity in mice. Administering IL-7 during the immune response contraction phase improves viral control and boosts vaccine-induced CD8+ T cell memory.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison discover a unique protein in whey that supports growth and reduces phenylalanine levels in mice with PKU, opening possibilities for dietary liberalization.
A study published in Gastroenterology found that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing colorectal polyps, with a two-fold increased risk for current smokers. The findings suggest that approximately 20-25% of colorectal polyps may be attributed to tobacco use.
Families in the US can eat healthily without breaking the bank, with USDA estimates suggesting they could spend less than $189/week on food. The Low-Cost Food Plan provides guidance on affordable meal options rich in fruits, vegetables and milk products.
Cold Spring Harbor Protocols highlights two RNA-based methods for understanding developmental processes in plants and flies. The first method uses RNAi to investigate gene function in fruit flies, while the second protocol describes how to detect where and when a gene is expressed in young plant tissues.
A study by Dr. Catherine Sabiston found that breast cancer survivors who participated in dragon boat racing reported significantly improved physical and mental health. The social aspect of the activity provided a sense of community and empowerment, helping women cope with post-recovery trauma.
Researchers identified a significant association between genetic mutations in the TLR4 gene and inflammatory injury to the placenta, increasing the risk of preterm birth. Women with this mutation were five times more likely to experience placental inflammation, while babies with the mutation faced nearly five times the risk.
A study published in SLEEP found that REM sleep deprivation in rats reduced cell proliferation by 63% compared to non-deprived controls. This suggests a critical role for REM sleep in facilitating brain plasticity and adult neurogenesis.
New studies validate non-invasive methods for diagnosing liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, with enhanced panels showing good diagnostic accuracy and simple markers augmenting performance, offering potential for eliminating the need for liver biopsy in over 80% of cases.
Yu Lu receives the AIP Tate Medal for his four-decade-long efforts in bringing together world's condensed matter physics community and promoting international collaboration. He has authored nearly 200 research papers and three books, and played a key role in organizing scientific activities in developing countries.
A study published in the journal SLEEP found that respiratory disturbances during sleep are remarkably common in healthy individuals, particularly in older adults. The prevalence of breathing irregularities increases dramatically with age, even in those without symptoms or signs of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
Researchers developed MAPAS to predict protein contact surfaces, which can guide new treatments for devastating diseases. The tool uses supercomputers to analyze protein shapes and energy, revealing key details of membrane interactions.
A new approach to medicine may involve targeting specific gut microbes to combat diseases like diabetes and obesity. Research suggests that altering the gut microbiome using probiotics can have a significant impact on human health.
Researchers from the Trainor Lab have characterized a crucial gene that regulates neural cell differentiation and proliferation during embryonic development. The study reveals how this gene, Cux2, integrates cell cycle progression with neural progenitor differentiation to shape the spinal cord.
Scientists found that summer storms in the Southeast drop more rainfall on weekdays than weekends. The study suggests that atmospheric pollution from humans may be driving this trend, as pollution levels peak midweek.
A University of Waterloo research team led by professor James Forrest explores the properties of large class materials on nanoscale. They found that even when bulk becomes solid, surface behaves like liquid-like, with huge implications for applications such as nanolithography.
Researchers found that obese teenagers who lost weight showed an increase in bone mineral content, contrary to expectations, and this effect was largely explained by changes in body fat and muscle during the weight loss program. This finding raises important questions about the impact of early onset obesity on lifelong bone health.
A study of over 4,000 US adolescents found chronic insomnia can predict somatic and psychological problems in the future. Insomnia is a major public health burden among adolescents, comparable to other psychiatric disorders.
Researchers found common properties among successful drugs, including high precision, specific connectivity, and tissue specificity. These characteristics can help pharmaceutical companies select promising targets and reduce the cost of drug development.
Women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who experienced sexual and/or physical abuse may have a heightened brain response to pain, making them more sensitive to abdominal discomfort. Researchers found that patients with IBS background of abuse were less effective in turning off a pain modulation mechanism in the brain.
Researchers have found that marigold therapy can clear or greatly reduce the number and size of plantar warts in four to six sessions, even in HIV-positive patients who are harder to treat. The therapy uses extracts from several types of marigold plants and has been used for nearly 30 years in the UK to treat various foot issues.
Research reveals that specific males with strong catalytic effects initiate hunts, diluting prey defenses and increasing hunting likelihood. These 'impact hunters' are more likely to be successful and have a high success rate when hunting alone.
Researchers found that Enbrel significantly reduced levels of C-reactive protein in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, indicating a systemic inflammatory disease. The study also showed that heavier patients had higher CRP levels and that Enbrel decreased these levels in overweight and obese patients.
Recent research finds that blacks are nearly twice as likely to develop severe sepsis as whites, with a significantly higher mortality rate. After controlling for poverty and geography, black race remained independently associated with higher severe sepsis incidence.
A novel ethics education project for graduate students at UD aims to increase student awareness of research ethics through small-group discussions on various issues. The project will result in a code of research ethics and integrity for UD graduate students, built from the bottom up.
A study of rheumatoid arthritis patients found that almost 11% experienced moderate to severe depression symptoms. Patients who were restricted in their activities were more likely to have these symptoms, and few discussed their condition with their rheumatologists.
Patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis receiving REMICADE experienced significant skin clearance improvements across four body regions, including head, trunk, and extremities. At week 10, 71-79% of patients achieved a PASI 75 improvement, with even greater success at 39-52% achieving a PASI 90 response.
A study of patients with chronic hepatitis C found that silymarin, a popular herbal supplement, had no effect on HCV virus activity or liver inflammation. However, users reported fewer symptoms and improved quality of life compared to non-users.
The AGA Institute's report highlights the need for GI divisions to evolve, with recommendations including training in leadership skills and business practices. The report also emphasizes the importance of improving faculty retention and workforce issues through innovative policies and technologies.
Researchers used nitrogen isotopic discrimination to identify non-organic sweet pepper plants grown with synthetic fertilizers. The study found that synthetic fertilizers significantly reduced nitrogen isotope ratios, with old leaves and fruits being more sensitive to the additions.
The Journal of the American Dietetic Association has published a comprehensive review of dietary factors for treating and preventing cardiovascular disease. The review identifies effective dietary considerations, including a diet low in saturated fatty acids and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a gene that guards all grass species against a devastating fungus, which can destroy crops vital for human food supplies. The naturally occurring disease resistance has allowed grasses to thrive for 60 million years.
New research reveals that timing of IL-7 treatment is crucial for enhancing antiviral immunity. Additionally, studies on cardiac development and wound healing have identified novel genes and mechanisms, offering potential therapeutic targets for chronic viral infections and cutaneous wounds.