Researchers found that fruit flies with a normal sense of smell had a survival advantage over odor-blind ones in experiments. In tests where food was scarce, the sense of smell proved crucial for finding food, leading to massive competition disadvantage for odor-blind flies.
Scientists identify a gene mutation in SLC17A8 that causes a previously unknown form of hereditary hearing loss, diminishing ability to hear high-frequency sounds. The mutation affects varying severity and onset age among individuals, highlighting the need for families and doctors to be alert for inherited hearing problems.
Two drugs, GW1516 and AICAR, have been identified by researchers to enhance exercise endurance by increasing fat burning in muscle fibers. In laboratory experiments, mice treated with the drugs ran longer distances on treadmill tests than untreated animals, with one compound increasing endurance by 44 percent.
Researchers found that certain bacteria can harness iron from the environment or human host using a unique gene. This discovery could lead to new ways to target diseases like tuberculosis by limiting access to essential iron sources.
A randomized controlled trial found that removing H. pylori bacteria from stomachs of post-operative stomach cancer patients can significantly reduce the risk of stomach cancer redeveloping. The study showed a two-thirds reduction in metachronous gastric cancer development between eradication and control groups.
Researchers found that genetically tweaking a part of the brain involved in learning and memory in fruit flies allowed them to stay sharp even after being deprived of sleep. This discovery may lead to new treatments for mental acuity, particularly for people who need to stay awake for extended periods.
Researchers have successfully treated congenital hyperinsulinism, a rare genetic disease causing insulin imbalance, using a peptide called exendin-(9-39) that blocks hormone receptor action. This could lead to an innovative medicine for children with this condition.
Researchers found that phytoestrogens from soy can cause irreversible changes in the brain's reproductive development, leading to early-onset puberty and symptoms of advanced menopause. The study also shows that these compounds can alter the sex-specific organization of the hypothalamus, a critical region for female reproduction.
The DOE and USDA have awarded $10 million in grants to accelerate fundamental research on cellulosic biofuels, aiming to reduce dependence on imported oil and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The grants will support the development of cost-effective means of producing cellulosic biofuels from various plant materials.
Researchers have discovered a new immune disease that affects the innate immune system of children with a deficiency in the MyD88 gene. The study found that these children can see off other infections but still die from widespread infection by common bacteria like pneumococci and staphylococci.
A study by Indiana University researchers reveals a significant communication gap between older adults and their surgeons, with only half of concerns discussed during consultations. This mismatch can lead to poorly tailored treatment recommendations, emphasizing the need for effective communication.
A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal AIDS found a significant association between bacterial vaginosis and an increased risk of HIV infection. The analysis of over 30,700 women from around the world showed that women with BV were more likely to acquire HIV than those without it.
A computer simulation reveals the formation of the first stars in the universe, showing how dark matter and gas interacted to create these ancient celestial bodies. The study provides insight into the origins of life and planets, highlighting the importance of stellar elements in our bodies.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered that mature fruit-fly cells can regress and serve as a type of de facto stem cell during the fly's life cycle. This finding counters previous assumptions about cell specialization and differentiation, suggesting the possibility of multiple types of adult stem cells in mammalian tissue.
Duke University scientists found that microbes' nutrient balance affects carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere. A universal mathematical formula can predict decomposition patterns globally.
A study in Economic Inquiry found that gas stations adjust their prices to match a few select peers, rather than all stations. However, price movements within the same chain are often highly correlated, suggesting indirect dependence on rival stations' prices.
A Swedish study found that living with a spouse or partner in midlife reduces the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The study showed that people living alone ran twice the risk and widows/widowers faced the greatest risk of developing dementia.
A study has found that several people in South and Southeast Asian countries have been infected with simian foamy virus, a primate virus that has not been shown to cause human disease. Researchers tested about 300 people who live or work closely with monkeys and found eight participants positive for the virus.
Researchers analyzed 1173 cases of community-acquired pneumonia and found that flu vaccination was not associated with a reduced risk. The study suggests that the vaccine may not be effective in reducing influenza infection in elderly individuals at risk of pneumonia.
A new study predicts that acidic ocean conditions could significantly harm the earliest stages of marine life, including a 25% decline in sea urchin fertilization success by 2100. The researchers warn that this could have far-reaching consequences for ecosystem viability and key species like lobsters and corals.
A commonly used diabetes monitoring test could be repurposed to screen for and diagnose diabetes, identifying millions of people with undiagnosed disease. The hemoglobin A1c test measures long-term glucose control, offering advantages over current testing methods that require fasting or are affected by recent meals and diet.
Researchers have found that warfarin reduces scarring on the liver caused by Hepatitis C, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. The study is now embarking on a clinical trial to test warfarin as a treatment for people with Hepatitis C.
Researchers have successfully differentiated pluripotent stem cells from a patient with ALS into motor neurons and glia featuring an ALS genotype, offering new avenues for drug discovery and understanding the disease process.
The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center and ASTRO are partnering to raise awareness of cancer survivorship through the Survivor Circle exhibit at ASTRO's Annual Meeting. The center supports compassionate healthcare and education, and will participate in the exhibit to promote its mission.
Researchers at USC successfully apply Viterbi algorithm to decode entangled photons in quantum communication. This enables reliable error-free message transmission in noisy quantum channels.
Dr. Kevin Eggan's breakthrough discovery marks the first time scientists have replicated specific human cells affected by ALS in a laboratory setting. The New York Stem Cell Foundation funded his work and will continue to support him.
The elephant death rate from poaching in Africa has increased to 8% a year, with most recent studies indicating that hunters are targeting specific herds. The situation is worse than ever before, and the public is unaware of the giant mammals' plight.
A Group Health study found that flu vaccination had no protective effect against pneumonia in elderly patients. The largest case-control study of flu vaccine use in the elderly revealed a lack of correlation between vaccination and reduced risk of pneumonia.
MIT scientists have overcome a major barrier to large-scale solar power by developing an inexpensive and highly efficient process for storing solar energy. Inspired by plant photosynthesis, they've created a system that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases, producing carbon-free electricity.
A new study found that married social fathers exhibit equivalent or higher quality parenting behaviors than married and cohabiting biological fathers. Married social fathers are more engaged with children, share responsibilities, and are trusted by mothers to care for kids.
Researchers found that calmodulin uses two lobes to sense local and global calcium levels, allowing it to detect fluctuations within cells. This discovery sheds light on the universal means of communication in cells and has implications for understanding neural diseases.
A recent study by Cornell University found that open-access articles receive more downloads than subscription-based articles, but do not receive more citations. Higher quality articles are simply made freely available, reversing the cause-and-effect relationship previously assumed.
Research at Karolinska Institutet found that people with schizophrenia have an increased number of unusual chromosomal changes, particularly structural changes that can alter gene function. These changes, known as copy number variants, may contribute to the development of the disorder.
Researchers have used X-ray diffraction to create the first 3-D images of aerogel structures at nanometer-scale resolution. The study reveals a complex 'blob-and-beam' structure that explains the material's surprising strength and suggests ways to improve its properties.
Researchers found that university students who watched over four hours of TV per day snacked more frequently while watching TV and recognized more advertising than low TV viewers. This study links TV viewing to increased snack consumption and body weight status among young adults.
The team's breakthrough design features a Goretex-coated air-electrode that is more economical, easily sourced, and outlasts traditional platinum cells. Testing has shown no degradation or performance loss over 1500 hours of continuous use.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has published a special issue focusing on AIDS and HIV research, featuring reviews on vaccine development, B-cell abnormalities, and viral reservoirs. Key findings also include an increased rate of asthma in HIV-infected children treated with HAART.
A new study found that pregnant women who binge drink early in pregnancy are more likely to have infants born with oral clefts. The researchers also found that the frequency and total amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy matters most, not just the frequency or duration of drinking.
A new study found that how people define sexual harassment is directly related to their views on ambiguous and threatening rules, with women resisting labeling uninvited jokes as harassment due to negative perception effects. Men with higher education were less likely to define such remarks as harassment.
A McGill University study reveals that previously ignored parts of the HIV genome play a key role in developing drug resistance. The research explains how these hidden mutations affect the virus, providing new insights into HIV treatment.
Researchers have tagged one male and two female leatherback turtles off Cape Cod, the first time these elusive giants have been tracked in New England. The satellites will provide real-time tracking data to better understand their behavior and habitat.
A special supplement in the AIDS journal offers concrete recommendations for addressing social and economic issues fueling HIV, including building a diverse group of leaders and integrating treatment programs. The edition outlines actionable goals and calls for accountability to combat the epidemic more efficiently.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified two signaling pathways activated in response to exercise that converge to increase endurance. They discovered a drug, GW1516, that simultaneously triggers both pathways, turning laboratory mice into long-distance runners and conferring many exercise benefits.
A multicenter U.S. registry study found that endoscopic circumferential ablation effectively cleared high-grade dysplasia in 90.2% of patients with Barrett's esophagus, offering a promising alternative to surgery and other therapies. The procedure also showed good safety profiles and comparable outcomes to PDT, EMR, and esophagectomy.
Researchers discover two compounds that enhance exercise endurance in mice, offering potential therapeutic benefits for certain muscle diseases. The drugs, PPARd and AICAR, work by reprogramming muscle gene activity, increasing running distance and time by up to 70%.
The OneGeology project has successfully created the world's first digital geological map, providing a global overview of the planet's rocks. This achievement enables nations to share data, access maps, and gain insights into natural resources and geohazards.
Researchers have released the world's most extensive collection of kiwifruit DNA sequences, which will help breeders create new varieties with improved nutritional content and desirable traits. The data is expected to speed up the development of new kiwifruit varieties through Marker Assisted Selection.
Researchers have discovered an efficient way to produce oxygen from water using a simple and inexpensive technique involving cobalt and phosphates. This breakthrough has significant implications for the large-scale deployment of solar energy, offering a cheap and easily manufactured storage mechanism.
In a new study, male Atlantic mollies were found to deceive rivals about their top mate choice by feigning disinterest and directing advances toward less-preferred females in the presence of other males. This sophisticated behavior highlights that traits ascribed to humans can also be found in simpler animals.
Scientists at Harvard University have successfully created human stem cells from the skin cells of elderly ALS patients, paving the way for potential treatments. The breakthrough uses induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to differentiate into motor neurons, which can be studied in a lab dish to understand the disease process.
The University of South Florida has been awarded a seven-year, $128 million NIH grant to coordinate worldwide studies on the prevention and treatment of juvenile diabetes. The TrialNet project will screen over 150,000 children and adults to investigate new therapies for early signs of diabetes.
Researchers have discovered a way to extract pure oxygen from water using relatively small amounts of electricity and common chemicals. The breakthrough could lead to the development of solar-powered energy systems that can operate 24/7.
A new study by the University of Manchester reveals that stabbings are costing the National Health Service (NHS) over £3 million a year. The research found that stabbings account for almost three-quarters of all penetrating trauma injuries, with an average cost to the NHS per victim of £7,196.
Researchers have identified low levels of naturally occurring antibodies as an increased risk factor for cardiovascular disease, particularly stroke in men. This breakthrough finding suggests that anti-PC antibodies play a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular disease.
At near-absolute zero temperatures, quantum mechanics reveals fascinating phenomena such as Bose-Einstein condensates and entanglement. Researchers discuss recent advances in atomic and optical physics, precision timekeeping with ultra-cold atoms, and the potential for monitoring global climate change.
A recent study published in Obesity found that having excess fat around the heart may increase the risk of heart attacks. Researchers discovered that the volume of pericardial fat was related to the development of calcified coronary plaque, a marker for increased cardiovascular risk.
A new method has been developed to accurately determine the severity of heart failure in US hospital patients, using data from 260 hospitals across the country. The model identifies key patient characteristics that predict in-hospital mortality, such as admission creatinine levels and systolic blood pressure.
A recent study found that infants conceived through assisted fertilization had similar birth weights and gestational ages as those conceived naturally. However, they were more likely to experience perinatal deaths if their mother had previously struggled with infertility. The researchers suggest that the underlying causes of infertilit...
Researchers found that fruit flies can dampen their response to intense smells to prevent overload, using a feedback mechanism to navigate the olfactory landscape. This adaptation allows flies to detect subtle changes in odor concentrations and track pheromones, enabling them to find mates.
Researchers discovered a mechanism in mouse brains that may explain why human mothers develop depression after childbirth. The study found that a GABA receptor subunit fluctuates during pregnancy and postpartum, impairing the brain's ability to adapt to hormone fluctuations.