Researchers identified six genes associated with autism by analyzing large Middle Eastern families where both parents shared a recent ancestor. The study suggests that these genes affect learning and memory, and may be treatable through gene therapy or enriched learning environments.
A worksite-based program called Talking Parents, Healthy Teens teaches parents how to get past their inhibitions and fears when discussing sensitive topics. The program has significant and immediate effects on parents' behavior, leading to more conversations about sexual topics with their children.
Researchers found Alaskan Eskimo adults had higher rates of fatty artery plaque than the general US population due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. The study suggests that traditional heart-healthy diet and exercise may not be enough to counteract the effects of smoking.
Recent RNA research reveals new roles in regulating gene expression and structural components, with potential for creating compounds to overcome genetic disorders. The EUROCORES programme brings together European groups to collaborate on RNA quality control and its applications.
A team has extracted a 150-meter ice core from the McCall Glacier, which may provide quantitative data on climate change in the region over the past two centuries. The core spans the entire depth of the glacier and offers insights into past climate conditions using clues like gas bubbles and isotopes.
A new study found that men and women with a history of concussion recover differently, with females performing worse on reaction time tests and being more symptomatic. The authors recommend an individualized approach to treating concussion patients, taking into account prior history and gender.
Lara Hutson's research on Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, the most common inherited neuromuscular disease, aims to investigate disease mutations in zebrafish. The study seeks to understand axon degeneration and its implications for prevention and management.
The Indiana University School of Medicine's M.D./Ph.D. program has been awarded a $1.25 million NIH grant to expand its enrollment. The program, which combines medical and biomedical engineering training, is recognized for its strength in incorporating a strong engineering program.
Research by VIB-K.U.Leuven scientists finds that location in cell affects carcinogenicity of NUP214-ABL1 protein, a kinase linked to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This discovery opens new avenues for targeted therapies and potential treatment approaches.
A new study by Washington University in St. Louis found that families with children's special needs face different financial burdens depending on their state. On average, US families shoulder an extra $774 per year for out-of-pocket care costs, with wealthier states having lower costs.
Researchers from Stanford's Bio-X program have devised a needle-thin probe to observe sarcomeres, the basic contracting engines of muscle, in live humans. This microendoscopy technique provides an alternative to painful muscle biopsy and could prove useful in understanding muscular diseases.
A new design for an automated, wearable artificial kidney eliminates complications of traditional dialysis. The device functions continuously, providing cleansing and fluid balance on a continuous basis, and regenerates and reuses spent dialysate to minimize protein loss.
Researchers have shown that purified stem cells isolated from adult skeletal muscle can restore healthy muscle and improve muscle function in mice with muscular dystrophy. The injected cells also replenished the pool of regenerative cells normally found in muscle, allowing the treated muscle to undergo subsequent rounds of injury repair.
The addition of hormone therapy following vaccine treatment improved overall survival in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Vaccines can be safely and effectively combined with other therapies, including hormones.
A third of the world's population is infected with M. tuberculosis, and two million people die from tuberculosis every year. New, improved vaccines or vaccination strategies are urgently needed to reduce the immense burden of this disease.
A newly developed nano-sized electronic device is sensitive to faint traces of far-infrared light, which can provide insights into the earliest stages of star and galaxy formation. The device is potentially 100 times more sensitive than existing bolometers and can detect as little as a single photon of far infrared light.
Scientists use a method developed for detecting underground nuclear tests to identify mine collapses and detect additional surface seismic waves. The new technique compares model seismograms to observed data, helping to differentiate between collapse events and other seismic activities.
Projected California warming promises a cycle of more heat waves and increased electricity demand for the state, raising the risk of power shortages during extreme heat events. The study predicts that widespread climate warming could strain the electricity grid, making brownouts or rolling blackouts more frequent.
The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research has committed $5 million to support scientists studying the biology of aging and age-related diseases. This funding provides critical support to researchers working to understand how aging influences disease, with a focus on developing new scientific knowledge about aging processes.
A new NOAA coral bleaching prediction system suggests some bleaching in the Caribbean later this year, but not severe. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are at a higher risk of widespread bleaching in August.
A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen has deciphered the final part of the immune system's key codes using artificial neural networks. This breakthrough should enable the prediction of all known and unknown immune system codes, leading to new targeted treatments for cancer and infectious diseases.
A new experimental technique has yielded improved vision in patients with retinal degeneration, with seven of ten patients showing significant visual gains. The procedure involves transplanting fetal retinal cells along with their attached retinal pigment epithelium to replace damaged photoreceptor cells.
Researchers created a sophisticated method to turn ordinary glass into a solar concentrator, boosting solar panel efficiency. The technology uses dye-coated glass to collect and channel photons, reducing the need for semiconductor material and increasing energy output.
Common genetic variations in nicotine receptors significantly increase the chance of life-long nicotine addiction among European American youth smokers. A study of 2,827 long-term smokers found that those who began smoking before age 17 with a high-risk haplotype had a 1.6- to 5-fold increased risk of heavy nicotine dependence.
Researchers are using planetary nebulae as probes to uncover patterns of chemical enrichment in spiral galaxies. By analyzing the chemical elements in these shells of gas, scientists can gain insights into how galaxies were formed and developed.
Researchers across the US are calling for a national network of sites like MSU's Long-Term Ecological Research site at Kellogg Biological Station to address agriculture's challenges. A paper in BioScience suggests that a long-term interdisciplinary approach could help address key agricultural issues.
A new report by scientists shows that relationships between scientists and journalists are now smoother than previously thought. The study found that most scientists view their media interactions as mostly positive, with only 6% reporting an unfavorable experience.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how copper-oxide materials become superconductors. By using high magnetic fields, they were able to probe the underlying electronic structure and reveal the location of 'pockets' of doped carriers. This discovery sheds light on the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity.
A study found that blowing cool, dry air under football shoulder pads reduces core body temperature by up to 1 degree Fahrenheit and lowers heart rate significantly. This technology could help prevent heat-related illnesses in football players.
A recent study found that older adults are less likely to commit the sunk-cost fallacy, instead viewing situations from a balanced perspective. This allows them to recognize that past investments cannot be recovered by continuing to invest time.
Common genetic variations affecting nicotine receptors can significantly increase the risk of lifelong nicotine addiction in European American youth who begin smoking before age 17. The study found that possession of a high-risk haplotype can lead to a 1.6-fold to almost 5-fold increase in risk of heavy smoking as an adult.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a novel genetic mechanism underlying white and black coat colors in domestic sheep. They found that the dominant white coat is caused by a duplicated agouti coding sequence, while recessive black coats harbor poorly expressed non-duplicated alleles.
Scientists have identified 22 genes that control embryonic stem cell fate, which could accelerate the use of stem cells in therapy and disease treatment. The genes help maintain a memory of stem cell identity, allowing them to correctly read signals that determine cell type.
A recent study published in Science found that 57% of researchers were 'mostly pleased' with their media interaction, while only 6% were 'mostly dissatisfied'. The survey, conducted among 1354 scientists, suggests that science-journalist interactions are more positive than previously thought.
Eco1 and its human homologue maintain sister chromatid cohesion by affecting Smc3, a key component of the cohesion protein complex. This process is critical for genome stability and cell survival.
A study of Japanese people found that men who drink heavily have a lower risk of coronary heart disease, while women quadruple their risk. Women also show a higher risk of hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes with heavy drinking.
Researchers at UGA's Franklin College of Arts and Sciences have identified a mechanism that explains how telomerase enzymes are recruited to chromosome ends in cancer cells. The study highlights the potential for targeting telomerase as a means to stop cancers from spreading, providing new avenues for investigation into cancer growth.
Researchers developed a computational tool to compare drug side effects and predict common targets, revealing hidden therapeutic potential. The approach successfully identified new uses for marketed drugs in treating diseases they were not specifically developed for.
Researchers at Rutgers University have identified a key component of the amygdala's neural network involved in extinction, or elimination, of fear memories. Clusters of intercalated neurons inhibit amygdala outputs to brain stem structures generating fear responses, offering potential for pharmacological interventions.
A study by Helmholtz Association researchers found that over half of scientists had predominantly good contact with journalists, while four out of ten reported beneficial media coverage for their career. The study dispels the idea that German researchers struggle to communicate with the media.
Researchers at UNC have identified specific prescription drugs that increase the risk of falls for patients aged 65 and older who take four or more medications. These medications, including antidepressants and painkillers, work to depress the central nervous system, making patients less alert and slower to react.
The Birmingham University-led Third Sector Research Centre will conduct research on the effectiveness and impact of third sector organisations. The centre aims to strengthen the evidence base for the entire third sector, including charities, social enterprises, and small community organisations.
A survey of adults found that less metal is better when it comes to the attractiveness of orthodontic braces. Clear trays and teeth with no visible appliances were considered the most attractive options. However, these more aesthetically pleasing options often come with limitations in terms of movement and force delivery.
A recent study published in Neuron reveals that the brain's decision-making region encodes information associated with the magnitude and delay of rewards. This finding sheds light on why humans and animals prefer immediate over delayed rewards, known as temporal discounting.
Recent studies have found that reminding participants of money improves personal performance but decreases interpersonal sensitivity. Participants who were reminded of money spent less time helping others and showed decreased kindness, but increased persistence in difficult tasks.
A new study found that more Internet time, less sleep, and higher alcohol consumption are associated with weight gain in adolescent girls. Girls who consumed 2 or more alcoholic beverages a week or slept less than 6 hours a night gained more weight.
Gene therapy research in low- and middle-income countries has raised concerns about the ethical use of patients from deprived populations. Researchers argue that these trials should address local health needs and be affordable for implementation in those countries' healthcare systems.
A Brown University-led research team has found evidence of water trapped in lunar volcanic glasses, suggesting it was present since the Moon's formation around 4.5 billion years ago. The discovery may shed light on the origin of water on Earth and its presence in the Moon's interior.
A new drug has been shown to rapidly improve neuropathology and cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's Disease. The treatment, PBT2, targets synaptic metals and has been found to reduce amyloid beta levels and inhibit AD-like neuropathology within hours and days.
The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has increased nearly twice as much as standard IVF in Europe, according to new data. ICSI is now used more frequently in countries with southern European roots, despite lacking medical evidence that it provides better pregnancy rates than IVF.
Scientists have identified over 100 host cell genes that the influenza virus depends on for infection, offering hope for developing new antiviral drugs. The study used fruit fly cells and RNA interference to screen for these targets, which could potentially be used to prevent viral replication and resistance.
A study by Dr. Con Mallidis from Queen's University, Belfast, UK, found that diabetes causes DNA damage in sperm and decreases their ability to repair DNA, leading to decreased fertility. The researchers identified AGEs as a key factor in this damage.
The study found that the gestation-adjusted projection method (GAP) produced impressive results, accurately predicting birth weights in over 90% of cases. The GAP method uses ultrasound measurements and a mathematical formula to determine whether the baby is larger than average size for its gestational age.
The journal Genome Research has seen a significant boost in its impact factor, ranking #2 in the Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology category. With an impact factor of 11.224, it continues to be a major player in the field.
The LSUHSC has been awarded a $10 million COBRE grant to support cardiovascular research projects and mentor junior faculty. The grant will fund four research projects and one pilot project, focusing on various aspects of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension, stents, and stroke.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a single protein, HS1, that enables key functions of natural killer (NK) cells. The protein allows NK cells to pursue targets, latch on, and kill them. Further study of HS1 may open new possibilities for revving up NK cells to fight infections and cancer.
Researchers found that men vaccinated in the morning showed strongest immune response to both hepatitis and influenza vaccines. The study's results have implications for vaccination timing, suggesting that adults could be vaccinated at specific times of day to increase their protection against flu.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that myosin-I motors sense minute changes in force to regulate cellular processes. This discovery has implications for understanding hearing, balance, glucose uptake, and more.
Researchers detected minute geological changes that preceded small earthquakes along California's San Andreas Fault by up to 10 hours using new instruments. The findings suggest a fundamentally different approach to current earthquake warning systems.
A three-dose pneumococcal vaccination program has shown a 70% reduction in serious infections among young children in Norway. The vaccine protects against seven serotypes of pneumococcus, responsible for 70% of severe cases.