A new linear garden concept has been studied for its potential to enhance roadsides while providing teaching gardens for students and community members. The project, led by Dr. Sandra Wilson, demonstrates the effectiveness of this space-saving approach in showcasing landscape plants commonly used in south-central Florida.
Researchers have identified a specific type of dinoflagellate that renders corals more susceptible to disease. The study found that this particular symbiont produces less food for the coral, leading to starvation and increased disease risk.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded $2.4 million to nine research teams to validate potential therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease. The funding aims to accumulate evidence and reduce the risk of investment for industry, ultimately accelerating PD drug development.
A molecule called HMGB1 is released by dying cells, determining whether the immune system responds to cell death. Apoptotic cells produce free radicals that modify HMGB1, preventing it from stimulating an immune response. This finding may have implications for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have uncovered a new signaling mechanism used to activate protein kinases involved in the body's inflammatory response. Smac mimic compounds may serve as prototypes for new anti-inflammatory therapy, potentially offering an alternative to expensive current treatments.
Mutations in PS1 and PS2 proteins disrupt calcium ion flow, leading to increased amyloid beta production. The study identifies the inositol trisphosphate receptor as a potential target for new therapeutic options.
The new silicon-based LED research has the potential to replace all incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs, offering dramatic energy and environmental benefits. The Purdue team's breakthrough allows for efficient production on low-cost metal-coated silicon wafers, reducing costs by up to 20 times.
Researchers found that the apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB)/apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) ratio was almost twice as powerful a predictor of heart attack risk as traditional cholesterol ratios. This discovery could lead to improved cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers developed a model explaining why large species dominate certain taxonomic groups, and how this relates to metabolism and habitat. The simple yet accurate model also omits traditional ideas from evolution and ecology.
A new mini ECG monitoring system allows heart attack rehab patients to undergo six-week walking exercise programs from anywhere, with real-time monitoring of their heart signal, location, and speed. This approach has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital re-admissions.
A Russian study found that the drug Dimebon continued to improve patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease over a year, showing improvement in all five outcomes. Researchers believe it works by stabilizing mitochondria and inhibiting brain cell death.
Researchers discovered how suckling babies stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked to trust and love. The study found that dendrites play a crucial role in coordinating oxytocin production, leading to synchronized bursts of activity.
Researchers at A*STAR's IMCB have identified peptidoglycan as a factor that causes Candida albicans to become infectious. The discovery may lead to the development of novel treatments for immunocompromised patients infected by the fungus.
A team of researchers found that the 'trust' hormone oxytocin is released from dendrites in response to suckling, triggering a positive-feedback loop that coordinates intense bursts of release. This discovery sheds light on how mothers form strong bonds with their infants.
A Northwestern University study found that more than three-quarters of patients don't fully comprehend their emergency department discharge instructions. Patients who fail to follow instructions may have a higher risk of complications after leaving the hospital, according to lead author Kirsten Engel.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has decided not to conduct the PAVE 100 HIV vaccine trial, but will consider a smaller study to determine if the VRC vaccine regimen significantly lowers viral load. The decision comes after analyzing the STEP HIV vaccine study results, which found increased numbers of HIV infec...
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have won two R&D 100 Awards for their work on ultra-high power lithium-ion batteries and ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) mechanical seals. These innovations demonstrate the scientific know-how and innovative spirit of Argonne researchers.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found four chromosomal regions linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder risk factors, suggesting that these disorders may represent different genetic subtypes. The discovery highlights the complexity of psychiatric diagnoses and provides new insights into potential treatment targets.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified MDA-5 as the primary immune sensor that detects norovirus infections. The discovery may lead to the development of a treatment that prevents or reduces infection, particularly for individuals with common genetic variations that make them more susceptible.
Researchers at OHSU have devised an ultrasound imaging technique that picks up subtle early evidence of PAD, which current conventional tests miss. The test could lead to early treatments that head off serious complications like gangrene and death.
Researchers compared two packing methods for grape quality and decay prevention, finding that the external wrapping method can be as effective as the liner method in preventing grape decay. This method has advantages over the use of box liners, including faster precooling and being more economical.
Researchers provide a template for online education that addresses obstacles to integrating traditional chalk and talk classes with digital tools. The template builds on principles suggested in 2005 for developing Asynchronous Learning Environments (ALEs) and outlines materials and tools for delivery, coursework, and assessment.
A study by researchers at the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service found that certain romaine and 'crisphead' lettuce cultivars can stay fresh for longer when packaged using modified-atmosphere packaging. This innovation has the potential to improve shelf life, quality, and sales of pre-cut salads and lettuce.
The American Society for Horticultural Science reports that Borneo is home to 2500-3000 orchid species, but many are endangered due to habitat destruction and over-exploitation. A recent study has identified 197 species of orchids in West Borneo, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these rare species.
A recent study found that as more journals become available online, researchers cite fewer older papers and focus on newer publications. This trend may be limiting the creation of new ideas and theories in various academic disciplines.
A new study by UNC and Caltech researchers found that some parents of children with autism process face information differently than other parents, suggesting a genetic link. The study analyzed 42 parents of autistic children and found that those who were socially aloof relied more heavily on the mouth to recognize emotions.
Researchers found that olive varieties can thrive in moderate saline water irrigation, contrary to concerns about toxicity. The study showed significant differences in growth, yield, and oil parameters among tested cultivars.
Researchers developed computer models of RNA molecules evolving by mutation and natural selection, showing that optimal organisms often require a long sequence of interacting mutations. This challenges the idea that natural selection always leads to the best possible organisms in the long run.
Dimebon significantly improves clinical course of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease, with increasing benefits over time. The drug demonstrated significant improvement in cognition, function, and behavior compared to placebo.
Scientists used a new technique to create a 3D map of stainless steel's grain structure, revealing how cracks grow between grains. The study provides insights into crack growth mechanisms and could lead to more efficient and safer materials.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded a planning grant to Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute to support regenerative stem cell-based approaches for treating heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and pacing abnormalities. Researchers will use autologous stem cells derived from patients to replace damaged heart cells.
Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered under-active brain regions associated with genetic risk for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity in patients with OCD and their family members, showing impaired function in areas controlling flexible behavior.
A study published in HortTechnology found that migrant labor raises average wages within green industry firms, but has no significant effects on hours worked and sales. Migrant workers contribute positively to the total number of hours worked by seasonal part-time and full-time employees.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered a method to induce, suppress 'branching' of nanorods using biomolecules. The new technique could lead to the development of smaller, more powerful heat pumps and devices that harness electricity from heat.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share a core set of genes involved in nervous system development and cell death. This common genetic signature may provide a window into discovering new brain mechanisms and effective treatments for these debilitating conditions.
University of Cincinnati geology researcher Tom Lowell discusses the latest research on the Younger Dryas event, a significant climate change event that occurred around 12,900 years ago. Lowell's team has found evidence of discrepancies in dating techniques used to study the event, which could have implications for understanding global...
A recent study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that using a 64-slice CT scanner to evaluate low-risk chest pain patients in the emergency room is more cost-effective than current standard of care. The study shows improved patient outcomes and reduced costs by avoiding overnight stays in observation units and cardiac stre...
Arthritis treatment drugs show promise in treating atherosclerosis and other autoimmune diseases by targeting cytokines, protein messaging molecules released by immune cells. The discovery of anti-cytokine therapy holds potential for treating multiple biological processes and unmet medical needs.
The US healthcare system scored an average of 65 out of 100 across 37 key indicators, falling short on health outcomes and quality. The number of uninsured and underinsured adults rose to 42%, with potential savings of up to $100 billion annually if performance improved.
Researchers use remote sensors to determine canopy cover in major horticultural crops, finding a strong correlation between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values and measured fractional canopy cover. The study suggests that NDVI can be an efficient way to monitor growth stage and irrigation water demand for these crops.
Bacteria have been found to rely on ancient forms of RNA to trigger major changes, resolving a question about the origin of life. This discovery supports the RNA World theory, which suggests that RNA was the first form of life on Earth.
A study found that immunization with Aβ42 reduced brain amyloid-β plaque formation and improved cognitive function in mice, but failed to prevent dementia progression in humans. Despite clearing associated brain plaques, immunized patients did not show improved survival or increased time to severe dementia.
Researchers have identified a new protein produced excessively in malignant melanoma, which may help distinguish it from benign moles. The discovery offers a potential target for treatment and could improve diagnosis of skin cancer rates rising among young women.
Conservation scientists propose assisted migration as a solution to prevent species from becoming extinct due to climate change. The authors argue that human-assisted translocation can help select species that are crucial for conservation efforts and have viable habitat options outside their current range.
Researchers from the Marine Biological Laboratory discovered that midshipman fish use a similar region of the brain to produce vocalizations as humans do when laughing. The study suggests that sound-based social communication may be an ancient vertebrate success factor, contributing to their incredible diversity.
A new study offers hope for adults with untreated amblyopia, finding that the brain regions responsible for vision can adapt in adulthood. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) therapy has been shown to improve contrast sensitivity in patients' amblyopic eyes for at least 30 minutes.
Researchers at Caltech uncover how HCMV uses a stolen class 1 MHC protein, UL18, to hide from the immune system. The virus's decoy protein binds tighter than real MHC molecules, inhibiting immune response and allowing it to thrive without harming its host.
Watching local or network news increases likelihood of drawing on negative stereotypes about blacks, according to a University of Illinois researcher. The effect is independent of viewers' existing racial attitudes and can even reinforce stereotypes among those who think themselves prejudice-free.
A team of scientists from MIT, Harvard, and McGill has designed a new tactile illusion to investigate perception and how different senses work together. The illusion produces changes in touch perception that are independent of changes in the stimulus, shedding light on brain function and conscious experience.
A new study found that lionfish can slash the survival of other reef fishes by 80 percent within a short period. The invasive species disrupts the ecological balance of coral reefs, allowing seaweeds to overwhelm them. This is another major threat to coral reefs, following overfishing and pollution.
The journal will play a key role in the Asia-Pacific Region's entomological research community, publishing original research papers and review articles. Elsevier has agreed to publish the journal on behalf of three societies, aiming to promote leading entomological research from Asia and worldwide.
Diabetes can cause gangrene and skin ulcers due to restricted blood supply, leading to impaired healing and tissue dysfunction. New therapies may be developed by suppressing the action of p75NTR, a gene responsible for promoting blood vessel growth in diabetes.
Scientists propose a framework for deciding when and how to intervene in species relocation due to climate change. They suggest bolstering conservation efforts, maintaining species in captivity, or finding new habitats may be inadequate alternatives. The study emphasizes the need to minimize climate change through mitigation.
Ahi1 and Hap1 form a stable complex in mouse brain, but truncated Ahi1 fails to stabilize Hap1; this affects TrkB levels crucial for nerve and brain development. The study provides insight into Joubert syndrome mechanisms.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified 48 'poised gene cassette' genes that are tightly controlled in tumors, making them potential targets for cancer treatment. These genes showed subtle yet significant differences in expression between highly metastatic and non-metastatic cells.
A new study identifies 39 genes differentially expressed between workers with varying Gp-9 genotypes, including those regulating chemical signaling and response. The study also found 91 genes indirectly influenced by social environment, highlighting the genetic complexities of social behavior.
Researchers mapped the developing brain cells in midshipman fish larvae and compared them to other species to find that the neural network behind sound production is conserved across vertebrates. This finding puts human speech and social communications in evolutionary context, providing a framework for studying social behavior.
A genetic variant found almost exclusively in individuals of Asian descent significantly increases the risk of elevated triglycerides. The study found that 15.1% of Chinese-Americans with high plasma TG carried at least one copy of the variant, corresponding to a 4.4 times greater risk.
The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded $31 million in grants to study the relationship between genetic variants and common diseases. Researchers will examine how genetic factors interact with environmental factors to influence health outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that AHI1 protein instability contributes to Joubert syndrome, while Ahi1-HAP1 complex interactions regulate brain development. In contrast, studies on leprosy and atherosclerosis reveal links between innate immunity and human lipid metabolism, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.