Researchers have discovered characteristic patterns of brain activity in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that reflect an inability to perceive themselves as social creatures. The study found that individuals with ASD exhibit diminished perception of self in social interactions, similar to those playing against a computer.
Physicists at RHIC have developed a way to measure subtle fluctuations in particle beams and send corrections ahead to smooth out scattering. This technique, called stochastic cooling, aims to recreate the conditions of the early universe, potentially saving time and money.
Researchers have created fluorogen activating proteins (FAPs) that enable biologists to monitor biological activities of individual proteins in living cells in real time. The FAPs allow for simple and direct tracking of proteins on the cell surface and within living cells, eliminating cumbersome experimental steps.
Researchers have developed a transparent zebrafish that allows direct observation of internal organs and processes like tumor metastasis and blood production. The study reveals cancer cells' ability to 'home' to specific locations, enabling scientists to better understand disease progression.
A multi-institutional study found PET more reliable than CT in characterizing lung nodules as malignant. PET's superior specificity led to correctly classifying 58% of benign nodules misclassified on CT.
A new study by Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University suggests that the DSM-IV criteria for eating disorders have limited clinical utility. The study found that patients diagnosed with 'not otherwise specified' (NOS) eating disorder often met the criteria for subthreshold variants of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder.
Scientists have discovered that immune cells confront viruses just inside the lymph node, not deep within the organ. This breakthrough could help design effective anti-virus vaccines against deadly viruses like HIV. The study sheds light on how the immune system operates during a viral infection.
By analyzing yeast cells' responses to periodic salt bursts, MIT researchers developed a simple model that captures the dynamics of a critical cellular pathway. This approach provides an alternative way to study intricate biological systems without requiring extensive computational simulations.
Researchers used advanced imaging to examine brain tissue in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, finding that amyloid plaques can develop in as little as a day and neuronal changes appear soon afterwards. The study provides new insights into the timing of brain changes associated with Alzheimer's dementia.
A 2004 survey of 1,000 Iraqi adolescents found that those exposed to the Iraq War reported higher self-esteem levels compared to Palestinian youth. The study suggests that indirect threats to their social identities may contribute to this phenomenon.
The NHLBI has stopped intensive blood glucose lowering treatment in a clinical trial of adults with type 2 diabetes, citing increased risk of death compared to standard treatment. Participants will now receive the less-intensive standard treatment.
A new study suggests that exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as mycoestrogens like zearalenone, may contribute to the early onset of puberty in young girls. The research found elevated levels of zearalenone in six out of 17 girls with central precocious puberty (CPP), a condition characterized by premature sexual development.
Scientists at the University of Adelaide are developing new vaccines and treatments to combat hepatitis C, a virus affecting over 170 million people worldwide. The five-year project aims to identify antiviral proteins and improve treatment options, offering hope for those suffering from the disease.
Researchers have found that tattooing is a more effective way of delivering DNA vaccines than intramuscular injection, producing stronger humoral and cellular immune responses. This method could have a role in routine vaccination of cattle or delivering therapeutic vaccines to humans.
A study of 7,374 participants found that those taking calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure had a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The medication was shown to cut the risk by 23% compared to non-users, but not other high blood pressure medications.
Researchers found a strong seasonal fluctuation of measles transmission rate in Niamey, Niger, which can help predict annual outbreaks. Vaccinating at least 95% of children with two doses of the measles vaccine is crucial to controlling the disease, particularly in areas with high birth rates and limited access to healthcare.
Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough in single-molecule sensing by demonstrating simultaneous optical and electronic measurements of the same molecule. The new technology allows for mass-produced single-molecule sensors with high sensitivity at room temperature.
The Global Network, funded by NIH and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, supports community-based health-care interventions to reduce maternal and infant mortality. The five-year grant will focus on protein supplementation and training of traditional birth attendants.
A new arenavirus has been discovered in three transplant recipients who died in Victoria, Australia in April 2007. The virus was identified through rapid sequencing technology and subsequent characterization, revealing a strain sufficiently different from existing screening methods.
A study published in Dermatologic Surgery found that chemical peels using alpha-hydroxy acid or beta-hydroxy acid are highly effective in reducing facial acne lesions. Both types of treatments yielded similar results, with BHA having slightly fewer side effects and longer-lasting results.
A new blood test developed by NIH scientists can diagnose Menkes disease in infants as early as birth, allowing for timely treatment that extends their survival. The test detects abnormal levels of catecholamines, a copper-dependent enzyme, which are present in the condition.
Australian researchers have discovered ancient crayfish fossils, providing evidence that the crustaceans existed on the continent as far back as the Mesozoic Era. The finds offer insights into the ecology of southern Australia during this period, which saw diverse plants and dinosaurs in prolonged polar darkness.
Researchers at Burnham Institute have identified Activating Transcription Factor 2 (ATF2) as a tumor suppressor in skin cancer development. ATF2 regulates gene transcription in response to extracellular stresses, leading to faster and more frequent tumor formation when its activity is reduced.
Researchers found that STAT3 has tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing effects depending on the genetic profile of glioblastoma tumors. This discovery highlights the need for effective therapies tailored to individual glioblastoma tumors.
A recent study found that routine intake of dairy products can lower the instance of gum disease. The American Academy of Periodontology suggests that consuming dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt may help achieve a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy mouth.
Researchers are exploring whether electronic personal health records enhance patient involvement in managing their hypertension. A year-long study of 720 patients will compare outcomes for those using the new system with standard treatment.
Researchers at UCL and the London Centre for Nanotechnology will investigate nanostructured carbon-based materials for hydrogen storage and develop large-surface organic solar cells. The refurbished laboratory aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have created updatable three-dimensional holographic displays that can be erased and rewritten in a matter of minutes. These devices have potential applications in medicine, industry, and military fields, such as tracking progress during surgeries or showing hazards to pilots.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital are conducting a phase III clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of gene therapy in combination with radiation therapy for patients with intermediate risk prostate cancer. The trial aims to improve patient outcomes by delaying hormone therapy, which can have severe side effects.
Researchers found that over one-third of tropical soil samples can generate severe limitations for landmine detection using metal detectors. The study provides a classification scheme for predicting detector performance and highlights the importance of considering soil development in de-mining missions.
Experiments with rats reveal that severing connections between striatal regions decreases compulsive cocaine seeking behavior, highlighting the key role of the striatum in addiction. The findings suggest a complex neural mechanism underlying drug addiction development.
Researchers discover hereditary hemochromatosis is a liver disease caused by a genetic defect in the liver that leads to increased iron absorption. The study reveals that the liver cells make an iron hormone called hepcidin to regulate iron uptake, but a mutated HFE gene reduces its production, leading to iron overload.
New research reveals that button mushrooms have equivalent anti-oxidant properties to pricey maitake and matsutake mushrooms. The study found that the body of the mushroom has a higher concentration of anti-oxidants than the stalk.
The US donor organ allocation system, MELD score, and its impact on liver transplant outcomes are discussed. Early referral for liver transplant evaluation is found to offer advantages unrelated to waiting time, including early detection and treatment of liver cancer.
A study found that high-functioning individuals with autism have impaired 'self' responses in the brain, affecting their ability to understand themselves and others. This discovery could lead to new diagnostic tools and a better understanding of social cognition in autism.
Research found teenage fathers more likely to have babies with birth problems such as pre-term delivery, low birth weight, and death. In contrast, older fathers aged 40+ were not at increased risk, according to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology study.
A new study has found that a gene called STAT3 can behave differently depending on genetic nuances between individuals, playing a tumor suppressor role in some glioblastoma cases. The discovery has laid the foundation for personalized medicine approaches to treat this devastating brain cancer.
A new technique for treating patients with myocardial infarction uses a thrombectomy procedure to remove blockages and improve blood flow. This approach has shown promise in reducing the risk of further obstructions and improving clinical outcomes.
A study by UC Irvine ecologists finds that excess nitrogen in tropical forests increases plant growth by an average of 20 percent. This boost in plant growth suggests the tropics will take in more carbon dioxide than previously thought.