A new study published in The Lancet Neurology found that a small dose of the drug PBT2 improved cognitive function in early-stage Alzheimer's patients, reducing amyloid-beta levels by approximately 13% compared to placebo. The study suggests that PBT2 may have a significant effect on the underlying pathology of Alzheimer's disease.
Sabertoothed and modern cats evolved distinct adaptations to killing, with the former having radically different skulls due to selective pressures for a precise shearing action. Modern cats' skull shape varies depending on size, but their anatomy shows a gradual transition from smallest to largest species.
Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a way to improve thought processes in female mice by recharging a naturally occurring estrogen receptor in the brain. This breakthrough suggests that drugs can be developed to offset cognitive decline related to low estrogen levels, protecting against neurological diseases.
A study published in Pediatrics found that cerebral malaria is related to long-term cognitive impairment in African children. At six months and two years after the initial episode, 21% and 26% of children with cerebral malaria showed significant cognitive impairment compared to their healthy peers.
Researchers have discovered a gene that helps clear mucous in the lungs and digestive system of people with cystic fibrosis. By correcting abnormal levels of this gene, they were able to prevent blockages and improve survival rates in mice with CF.
A group of women will test new exercises and educational programs to manage their recovery after bed rest and birth. Researchers hope to discover if longer intervention is needed to help women regain lost strength and stamina.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that nearly a third of British adult survivors of childhood cancer have been regular smokers at some point in their lives. Smoking is an additional source of risk for this population due to long-term effects of original cancer and treatment, as well as genet...
An international research team developed a model to identify suitable habitats and corridors for the European wildcat. Almost half of Rheinland-Pfalz is considered suitable habitat, enabling a maximum population of 1600 females.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have linked extreme fatigue in lung-scarring disease to poor sleep quality, finding a 25% loss in R.E.M. sleep time among patients. The study shows that people with stiffened lungs and sleep problems experience reduced physical and mental activity scores.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have applied Geographic Profiling (GP) technique to bumblebees to analyze their foraging behavior. The study revealed that bees create a 'buffer zone' around their hive to reduce the risk of predators and parasites.
A study found that healthy children of Alzheimer's patients who carry the APOE-4 gene demonstrate reduced functional brain connectivity between key structures. This reduction is detectable long before clinical symptoms appear, with non-carriers showing significantly better connectivity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that fruit flies use TRPA1 to sense single degree changes in the comfortable range, adapting to different temperatures through a multistep process. This discovery raises the possibility that mammals may also be able to sense small changes in internal body temperature.
A McMaster University researcher will work with isolated Hutterite communities to understand the transmission of pandemic diseases like influenza. The team aims to detect flu viruses in humans and pigs, and use computer modeling to analyze virus transmission.
Researchers developed nanobialys, spherical particles that can deliver drugs and imaging agents directly to tumors and plaques. The manganese-based nanoparticles are safer than gadolinium-containing particles and have shown promise in animal studies.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a new virus, Avian Bornavirus (ABV), as the cause of Proventricular Dilation Disease (PDD) in parrots and exotic birds. The discovery could have profound consequences on conservation efforts for endangered species like the Spix's Macaw.
A new University of Florida study reveals that the Isthmus of Panama was formed by a Central American Peninsula colliding with South America, contradicting previous evidence. The research uses geologic, chemical and biologic methods to date rocks and fossils found in the Gaillard Cut of the Panama Canal.
Two Fortune 500 oil companies, Devon Energy Corp. and Marathon Oil Corp., have pledged major funding to the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering. The funds will support a new undergraduate petroleum engineering program with scholarships, textbooks, and state-of-the-art equipment.
A study found that fish with temperature-dependent sex determination are more vulnerable to climate change, with increasing temperatures leading to a shift towards males. Small changes in temperature can significantly alter the sex ratio, compromising the viability of some fish populations.
Researchers found that living in a walkable neighborhood can reduce the risk of obesity by up to six pounds. The study used census data from Salt Lake County and found that neighborhoods built before 1950 were associated with lower BMI values.
A new study found that smoking is associated with a higher risk of stroke in spouses, particularly among never-smokers. Quitting smoking eliminates this risk, suggesting the health benefits of cessation extend beyond individual smokers to their partners.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have devised a method to characterize special surfaces by using a series of killer laser pulses. The technique measures the distribution of site enhancements on the substrate surface, allowing researchers to design better scattering surfaces for sensor applications.
Scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia University Medical Center have described the specifics of how brain cells process antidepressant drugs, cocaine, and amphetamines. Their breakthrough research reveals a finely-tuned process in which two sodium ions bind to enable neural signaling in the brain.
A new study reveals that most US health department directors view climate change as a significant public health issue, with threats such as heat waves and reduced air quality expected to increase in severity. However, few departments have implemented activities to detect, prevent, or adapt to these health threats.
A major review by leading experts highlights advances made in fighting doping in sport over the last 40 years. The authors emphasize the need for a strong commitment to research, smart sampling strategies, and trustworthy adjudication processes to combat doping.
Researchers found previously reported dinosaur soft tissues were actually bacterial biofilms, created by bacteria that coated the voids once occupied by blood vessels and cells. The discovery challenges the notion of preserved dinosaur tissues still surviving.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded $1.1 million for 15 high-risk, high-reward research projects to explore new approaches to treating Parkinson's disease using gene silencing techniques and induced pluripotent stem cell technology. The funding aims to develop transformative treatments and a cure for PD.
A study comparing two breast cancer screening strategies in Norway and Vermont found that both approaches were equally sensitive for detecting cancer, with similar age-adjusted screening detection rates. However, the recall rate for abnormal mammograms was lower in Norway, while the rate of interval cancers was higher in Vermont.
Two scientists, Gergely Szakács from Hungary and Monica Bettencourt-Dias from Portugal, will receive annual funding of €50,000 for three to five years. This grant supports their establishment of research groups in Hungary and Portugal.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have created a 3D image of the material referred to as 'liquid smoke,' also known as aerogel. The study reveals that the lattice structure within aerogel is weaker than expected, with a blob and beam structure explaining its low density.
A national survey found that general internists and pediatricians are uncomfortable providing primary care to young adults with cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. Only 15% of internists said they would be comfortable treating CF patients, while 32% reported the same for SCD.
A recent study published in Science has identified a gene that controls sleep in fruit flies, which may help understand the need for sleep and develop new treatments for insomnia. The Sleepless gene affects homeostatic regulation of sleep, and its mutation led to impaired coordination, restlessness, and reduced lifespan.
A team of Caltech astronomers reveals that spiral galaxies have more bars than previously thought, with most forming in smaller, low-mass galaxies. The study suggests that bars play a crucial role in galaxy evolution, fueling new star formation and feeding massive black holes.
Bapineuzumab showed potential efficacy signals in treating Alzheimer's disease without a clear dose response. Post-hoc analyses revealed statistically significant benefits in subgroups, including ApoE4 non-carrier patients.
A new study finds that patient age, predisposition to heart disease, and prior treatments are associated with an individual's risk of developing heart problems following epirubicin treatment. The researchers recommend lowering the cumulative dose recommended for most patients, with maximum doses ranging from 300 mg/m2 to 900 mg/m2.
Medical physicists are developing new imaging technologies to improve breast cancer detection and treatment. Researchers have also identified ways to predict treatment success using oxygen levels within tumors, and are exploring innovative techniques such as modulated electron therapy for shallow tumor treatment.
A recent INFORMS study suggests that hiring top talent from competitors may not lead to improved performance. Instead, the performance of stars depends on firm-specific human capital and colleague relationships. The study's findings warn managers against expecting significant gains from hiring stars.
A team of researchers has discovered the key component of a human cell's quality control mechanism, known as ERdj5, which plays a crucial role in degrading misfolded proteins. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing new treatments for cystic fibrosis and other hereditary diseases.
A bi-national study found that male injection drug users deported from the US to Tijuana have a four-fold higher risk of HIV infection. The study suggests a need for cross-border prevention and treatment programs.
Jackson Laboratory scientists have developed a simple and cost-effective method to freeze mouse sperm, achieving high fertilization rates with mouse eggs. This breakthrough will significantly reduce the cost of developing new mouse models for human diseases.
Researchers found that PBT2 improves two indicators of executive function in Alzheimer's patients and reduces amyloid beta levels in the spinal fluid. The study suggests that PBT2 may be a promising treatment for improving cognitive performance in early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
This paper describes network analyses capabilities within GIS to describe and quantify shear zone networks. Meanwhile, structural analysis of rockslide avalanches reveals fault structures as fingerprints for motion and emplacement styles.
Research by Anke Plagnol and Richard Easterlin reveals women's life satisfaction drops after age 48, with men excelling in family and finances. Women's unfulfilled desires contribute to lower overall happiness.
Researchers have developed a novel method to kill tumor cells using nanoparticles and light. The technique employs quantum dots that emit light when exposed to megavoltage x-rays, which triggers the cancer-killing activity of Photofrin. This approach could be more effective in treating deeply seated tumors than current methods.
Top-rated hospitals have significantly higher volumes and lower complication rates for bariatric surgeries. The study found that patients treated at five-star rated hospitals have a 41% lower chance of experiencing one or more inhospital complications compared to three-star rated facilities.
Researchers found that physical surroundings where alcohol cues are experienced can greatly influence the ability of those cues to trigger relapse. The study suggests that presenting cues repeatedly in multiple distinct contexts without alcohol can diminish their triggering effect.
Researchers found that warmer temperatures are favouring bird species with southern European ranges, such as the Cirl Bunting and Dartford Warbler, which are becoming more common across Britain. In contrast, northern species like the Fieldfare and Redwing are experiencing declining numbers
The world's great animal migrations are experiencing steep declines and disappearances due to human activities such as dam construction, overfishing, and habitat destruction. The loss of these migrations not only disrupts the natural balance but also has significant effects on the ecology of surrounding landscapes.
Eating a diet high in sugar-sweetened beverages and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Consuming more than one soft drink per day or drinking two or more fruit drinks daily increases the risk by 24% and 31%, respectively. In contrast, a low-fat diet does not appear to impact diabetes risk.
A team of biologists has identified a collection of novel proteins transferred from male to female fruit flies during mating, which influence female behavior and favor male success. The study reveals that these proteins are rapidly evolving and potentially under intense selection pressure.
A new study reveals that dividing cells exhibit an unprecedented level of regulation, with over 1,000 proteins becoming highly phosphorylated. This discovery has significant implications for understanding cell cycle disorders and developing therapeutic targets.
Researchers have discovered two new β-Lactam antibiotics that target MRSA, a major global health threat responsible for approximately 20,000 US deaths annually. The novel compounds interact with the MRSA cell wall enzyme PBP 2a, inhibiting its function and leading to bacterial cell death.
A new species of Bagworm Moth with predatory larvae has been discovered in Panama's tropical forest. The larvae construct portable structures called 'bags' to capture prey, including spiders and insects.
A new study by scientists from Brazil, France, and the US reveals that no-till management combined with winter cover crops is the most effective way to retain nutrients in tropical soils. The research found that this approach can maintain soil organic carbon stocks and mimic natural forested conditions.
A new DNA study from the University of Adelaide has challenged long-held claims of pre-historic Polynesian contact with South America. The study found no evidence to support the idea that chickens were introduced to South America by Polynesians before Spanish arrival.
Researchers in the Center for Excellence in Rural Safety mapped out every fatality in the nation, providing a detailed view of road fatalities and life-saving public policies. The interactive tool allows users to visualize the impact of strong seat belt laws and other safety measures on their local roads.
A study found that high omega-3 fatty acid intake from eating large quantities of fish may explain Japan's very low levels of heart disease. This is due to a strong anti-atherogenic effect observed in Japanese men, who consume an average of 100g of fish daily.
After losing a significant amount of weight through calorie restriction, bone turnover remains accelerated, leading to increased fragility. Researchers found that moderate weight loss followed by weight maintenance resulted in persistent elevated bone remodeling markers.
Researchers found that SOD1 protein stability and aggregation propensity are key factors in predicting patient survival. Mutations that increase stickiness and decrease stability of the protein correlate with reduced survival times.
Researchers found hundreds of genes affected by bacterial partnership in a squid host, including those associated with human responses to bacteria. This discovery may change our understanding of the main purpose of the immune system.
The University of Maryland's START research center will extend its study on radicalization, terrorist operations, and community resilience with a new $12 million DHS grant. Researchers aim to understand the dynamics of radicalization and develop effective counter-terror strategies.