Story ideas from the Journal of Biological Chemistry
Researchers found Celecoxib reduces heart rate and increases irregularities, but not through COX-2 inhibition. Drosophila model reveals a direct effect on potassium channels generating heartbeat.
Researchers found Celecoxib reduces heart rate and increases irregularities, but not through COX-2 inhibition. Drosophila model reveals a direct effect on potassium channels generating heartbeat.
A team of chemists led by Chad Mirkin aims to mimic nature's finely controlled chemical processes to develop materials and devices with high sensitivity and selectivity. The researchers will focus on creating supramolecular structures for environmental remediation, power generation, and detection systems.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife's Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center developed a special carrot to increase calcium absorption in humans. The study found a two-fold increase in calcium intake, which can help prevent diseases like osteoporosis.
A new review of trials suggests fish oil supplements can help some cardiac patients by blocking cardiac ion channels and reducing fibrosis, while having a negative impact on others. However, high doses can increase the risk of bleeding.
Researchers developed a temperature-independent pH buffer to maintain sample stability during freezing and thawing. The new buffer showed minimal pH changes, even after repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Women with higher dietary intakes of lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin E have a lower risk of developing cataracts. These antioxidants may protect against cataract formation by filtering harmful blue light and damaging lens proteins.
Patients admitted with undernourishment at hospital onset have poorer clinical outcomes and more post-stroke complications. Nutritional support during acute ischemic stroke is crucial to improve functional outcomes.
A study of 609 men aged 72.6 found that those with low blood testosterone levels had a significantly higher risk of fractures, particularly hip and non-vertebral fractures. The study suggests that measuring serum testosterone may provide additional clinical information for assessing fracture risk in elderly men.
Scientists found that a green glow in fruit flies indicates the activation of cancer-prevention signals similar to those in broccoli and cabbage. The discovery uses Drosophila as a model organism to develop novel approaches for studying the NRF2 pathway, which triggers anti-oxidant activity to fight off toxic assaults.
The Arecibo Observatory has discovered methanimine and hydrogen cyanide, two key ingredients for life, in a distant galaxy. These molecules were found by searching for radio emission at specific frequencies, using the world's largest and most sensitive radio telescope.
Vanderbilt University researchers found that aggression triggers a rewarding response in the brain, involving dopamine, which motivates individuals to engage in aggressive behavior. This study offers insights into our propensity for violence and fascination with violent sports.
A new strain of MRSA bacteria has been discovered in sexually active gay men, showing a high rate of transmission through intimate contact and skin-to-skin contact. The study found that these men are 13 times more likely to be infected than the general population, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prevention measures.
The University of Utah will receive advanced software for energy research and development with the $21.2 million grant. This technology will aid in finding oil and gas resources more efficiently and help students learn cutting-edge skills.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identify a new neural stem cell type, the rosette neuron stem cell (R-NSC), capable of differentiating into region-specific neuronal cell types. The R-NSC has expanded differentiation potential compared to previously identified neural stem cells.
A study of 2,471 patients with venous thrombosis found a three-fold greater relative risk associated with minor leg injuries that don't require surgery or extended bed rest. These injuries may increase blood clotting risk due to reduced activity and damage to blood vessel walls.
Researchers found that individual sea otters specialize in particular prey types when food is limited, while populations with abundant resources share similar diets. This specialization can help understand disease mortality and inform wildlife management.
A study found that genes involved in neurovascular function, regulated by hypoxia, and interacted with serious obstetric complications to boost schizophrenia risk. The study used a family-based design and identified four significant gene-environment interactions.
Researchers at UBC have discovered genetic secrets that enable trees to fight off pests and disease, allowing for the development of breeding programs to repel insects like mountain pine beetles. The study's findings have important implications for the long-term health and sustainability of forests.
Experts warn that psychotherapies like CBT can have serious adverse effects, including worsening of conditions, psychological dependency, and exploitation. They call for rigorous regulation and monitoring to ensure patient safety and effectiveness.
Researchers have developed a new laboratory mouse model that can be used to test the efficacy of pre-exposure antiviral drugs to prevent HIV infection. The BLT mice have human blood cells, liver, and thymus tissue, making them susceptible to vaginal infection with HIV.
Saturn's rings exhibit fine-scale structures with periodic radial variation in optical depth, while daily fluctuations in streamflow can be influenced by flow velocity. Internal waves in the Pacific Ocean are also studied for their impact on oceanic mixing and energy transport.
Physicians report a disconnect between disclosing medical errors to patients and reporting them to hospitals, with only 18% of respondents reporting minor errors to their institution. The study suggests that lack of understanding on how and what to report contributes to the gap.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have found a way to selectively block the ability of white blood cells to migrate toward sites of injury and infection, which drives disease. This discovery suggests a new approach for treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
A new phylogenetic analysis published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases provides insight into the origins of venereal syphilis. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding the evolution and transmission of this disease.
A year-long clinical trial found that vitamin D2 supplements reduced the risk of falls by 19% among women with low blood vitamin D levels and a history of falling. The therapy was most effective in reducing the risk of single falls during winter and spring, but not multiple falls.
A study of 45 family medicine practices found that those with nurse-practitioners performed better in diabetes care measures compared to physician-only practices and those using physician assistants. Practices with NPs were more likely to measure hemoglobin A1c levels, lipid levels, and treat for high lipid levels.
The MESSENGER spacecraft completed its first flyby of Mercury, collecting scientific data and imagery of the planet's surface. The mission will provide new insights into Mercury's previously unseen surface features.
A new study found that daily pain is far more prevalent and severe than previously thought in adults with sickle cell disease. Over half of the patients reported having pain on most days, with nearly one-third experiencing pain nearly every day.
A study finds that Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization is linked to persistent S. aureus infections, highlighting a potential target for non-antibiotic interventions. Plague remains a current threat globally, with most cases occurring in Africa and Asia, primarily through contact with infected rodents and fleas.
A new study suggests that African-American women's magazines often encourage fad diets and faith-based approaches to weight loss, while mainstream magazines focus on evidence-based diet strategies. Mainstream magazines were twice as likely to suggest eating more whole grains and protein, smaller portions, and low-fat foods.
The vaquita population is projected to decline rapidly due to entanglement in fishing nets, with only about 150 individuals remaining. The species is critically endangered and shares parallels with the extinct baiji dolphin, highlighting the need for effective conservation efforts.
Researchers found that lipoic acid supplements reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation by 55% in mice, lowered triglycerides, and helped normalize metabolic processes. The supplements may be useful as a preventive mechanism before advanced cardiovascular disease develops.
A study by Monell researchers found that over 6,000 genes contribute to an individual's body weight, contradicting the idea of a single 'obesity gene.' This suggests that quick fixes for obesity are unlikely and highlights the complexity of the issue.
Recent research by Natalie Denburg and colleagues found that 35-40% of healthy older adults exhibit poor decision-making abilities, which is associated with increased vulnerability to deceptive advertising. The study suggests that these individuals may experience disproportionate aging of the brain region critical for decision-making.
A new study suggests that toll road privatization could result in more crashes and increased costs associated with the use of other roads. The study found that higher tolls on privatized roads would divert trucks to local roads, potentially increasing safety risks and maintenance costs.
A study led by Monika Vig and Jean-Pierre Kinet found that calcium ion channels play a crucial role in triggering inflammatory responses, providing new insights into asthma and allergy symptoms. The discovery highlights the importance of CRACM1 calcium channels in mast cell activation.
A group of 275 doctors in the UK have spoken out against the government's decision to remove a dying Ghanaian woman from receiving vital life-prolonging dialysis treatment. The doctors argue that this decision is both unethical and dangerous, as it puts the health of both the undocumented migrant and the general public at risk.
Researchers found medullary bone in T. rex specimens, indicating dinosaurs reached sexual maturity earlier than thought and had short lifespans of 3-4 years in adulthood. This discovery sheds new light on the evolution of birds and reproductive strategies.
Scientists at the University of Southern California have achieved a 10-fold life span extension in baker's yeast through dietary and genetic changes. The study, published in PLOS Genetics, suggests that calorie restriction and specific gene mutations may hold the key to controlling cell longevity and preventing age-related diseases.
New research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that community ecology principles affect parasite species interacting within a single host, impacting treatment effectiveness. The study suggests using ecological thinking to understand and control multiple infections like malaria.
A four-year study found that selectively restraining elderly residents and reducing sleeping pills can significantly reduce falls in nursing homes. The study, led by the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, analyzed over 2,300 reported falls and fractures to find a link between safety measures and fall risk.
The four-year project aims to make thin-film light absorbing cells for solar panels from sustainable and affordable materials, reducing costs by one millionth of a metre. Researchers will experiment with low-cost materials and nanotechnology to capture increased amounts of energy from the sun's rays.
New research by Arecibo Observatory increases the mass limit for neutron star formation into black holes, suggesting they may be more rare. Neutron stars are found to remain stable between 1.9 and 2.7 sun masses, contradicting previous thought.
A long-term study found that smokers have an increased risk of developing early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and experience greater progression of the disease. Smokers developed AMD at a younger age than non-smokers, and smoking was associated with cumulative progression of AMD over 15 years.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed genetically modified carrots that increase the transport of calcium across plant cell membranes. The modified carrots can provide up to 41% more bioavailable calcium than regular carrots, making them a promising source for improving bone mineral density and treating osteoporosis.
Researchers found that TRADD is essential for the transformation of B lymphocytes by Epstein-Barr virus, and that it can be targeted for cancer treatment. The study reveals a unique interaction between the viral protein LMP1 and TRADD, which masks its apoptotic activity.
Researchers successfully switched a gene regulatory element from a bat to a mouse, resulting in abnormally long forelimbs. This study demonstrates that evolution can be driven by changes in gene expression patterns, rather than solely genetic changes.
Researchers compared DNA of patients with reduced MS symptoms to those experiencing relapses, identifying key genetic markers associated with treatment response. The study's findings may help predict which treatments will work best for individual patients.
The American College of Physicians has issued new guidelines to improve palliative care at the end of life, focusing on pain, shortness of breath, and depression. The guidelines recommend regular assessment and use of proven therapies to manage these symptoms, with a focus on improving quality of care for patients with serious illnesses.
Physician spontaneous reporting significantly increased through e-mail reminders, an informational website, and handheld device programs. Key findings show a mean increase of 5.6 reports in intervention group and a mean decrease of 3.0 reports in control group.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that anti-retroviral drugs given daily before and after exposure to HIV can prevent vaginal transmission of the virus. This breakthrough could empower women worldwide to protect themselves from HIV infection.
A comprehensive genetic analysis supports the 'Columbian theory' of syphilis's origins, suggesting the pathogen was introduced to Europe by Columbus and his men. The study found that the venereal syphilis-causing strains originated most recently and were closest relatives to strains causing yaws in South America.
Recent studies in Annals of Internal Medicine reveal significant advancements in palliative care and insights into sickle cell disease's prevalence. Researchers also discovered a new strain of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcal Infections primarily affecting men who have sex with men, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention measu...
A specially developed carrot has been produced to help people absorb more calcium, with a net increase in calcium absorption found in humans who ate the carrot. Adding this carrot to the diet can help prevent diseases like osteoporosis.
A new study by UC Berkeley scientists reveals that dinosaurs experienced rapid growth spurs and reached sexual maturity near the end of this phase, well before reaching maximum body size. This finding suggests that dinosaurs were born precocious and suffered high adult mortality, making early sexual maturity necessary for survival.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that lingering doubts and fears among African Americans are major obstacles to their participation in medical research. Blacks were only 60% as likely as whites to participate in a mock study, highlighting the need for improved communication and mutual respect between patients and physicians.