A synthetic cocoa chemical slowed growth and accelerated destruction of human tumors in laboratory studies, suggesting it may be used for cancer chemoprevention or treatment. The strongest response was seen in colon cancer cells, with growth cut in half and most tumor cells damaged.
Chemists at NIST have developed the first detailed chemical analysis of crude oil made from pig manure, revealing that it contains over 83 major compounds and requires significant refining to produce viable fuel. The study shows that the oil's high water content and presence of heavy metals make it unfavorable for use in vehicles.
A new ecological study identified a correlation between evolved species' traits and susceptibility to becoming threatened or invasive. The researchers analysed over 8900 legume species and found that certain traits are more predictive of a species' fate.
The prevalence of US osteoprotic hip fracture hospitalizations decreased significantly from 1988 to 2005, from 428 per 100,000 population to 328 per 100,000 in 2005, a decline of 25%. This decrease is attributed to improved awareness, screening, early diagnosis, and treatment.
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital discovered that depolarization waves in the brain spread through adjacent areas after a stroke, leading to further cell death. The study's findings may enable the translation of decades-long experimental research into clinical applications.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Bristol have successfully maintained membrane complexes intact in a mass spectrometer, enabling the study of previously unexplored interactions. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for understanding cellular security and drug resistance.
A new study found that women with severe SLE who received a 6-month course of cyclophosphamide followed by mycophenolate mofetil treatment had preserved ovarian function and fertility. Disease activity was equally controlled in both groups, but patients treated with long-course CYC pulses had a higher risk of amenorrhea.
Researchers found that older adults' brains show increased activity in regions involved in emotion control, allowing them to regulate emotions better than younger counterparts. This 'positivity bias' helps seniors cope with emotionally challenging situations.
A clinical trial is investigating the safety of a vaginal microbicide gel for pregnant women and their babies. The study aims to understand how pregnancy affects the body's absorption of the active drug and whether it can be transferred to the fetus.
Researchers François Lagugné-Labarthet and Amardeep Thind receive Canada Research Chairs to study nanomaterials and develop new optical techniques. They aim to improve understanding of the Canadian healthcare system, reducing wait times and resource shortages.
A new class of natural compounds has been identified that can enhance the sensitivity of mouse cancer cells to standard anticancer chemotherapeutic agents. Fever, on the other hand, is associated with prolonged QT intervals in heart cells of patients with LQT-2, a potentially fatal genetic disease. These findings suggest potential ther...
Using native grasses in golf course roughs can improve biodiversity and reduce costs on pesticides and labor. The research found that blue grama and Cody buffalo grass were the most effective options for coverage, with rates of 20 pounds per acre recommended for best results.
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered how cell surface receptors cooperate to generate immune responses, revealing the importance of integrin VLA-4 in facilitating signal transmission. This understanding is crucial for developing interventions to enhance or inhibit immune responses, particularly in autoimmune diseases.
Researchers found that primary tumors can encourage the growth of stray cancer cells elsewhere in the body, which may have therapeutic implications. Osteopontin secretion by instigating tumor cells plays a key role in this process.
Researchers have discovered an inexpensive, clean way to prepare amines, nitrogen-containing organic compounds used in various industries. The new method produces no waste and is faster than current costly two-step process.
Researchers in Spain have successfully created an acoustic cloak using metamaterials, which can make objects completely impervious to sound waves. The technology could be used for various applications such as warships to avoid sonar detection or concert halls to direct noise away from problem spots.
Researchers at NIST and Cornell University developed a novel fabrication method called nanoglassblowing to create nanofluidic devices that can isolate single molecules in solution. The technique produces devices with funnels and tapered nanochannels, showing advantages over traditional planar channels.
A new two-week self-management programme significantly reduces healthcare visits, pain scores, and health distress in arthritis patients with chronic pain. The programme's benefits were sustained for six months with continued improvements up to a year later.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered a molecule called XBP1 that regulates fat and cholesterol production in the liver. Turning off XBP1 dramatically reduced blood levels of cholesterol and triglyceride fats, with no apparent adverse effects on the liver.
J. Richard Bond is honored for his theoretical framework to interpret the observed inhomogeneities in the Big Bang's fossil radiation and understand galaxy evolution. His research has helped us transition from a nearly featureless early Universe to the structured world of galaxies, stars, and planets.
Researchers are developing a nicotine vaccine to stimulate the immune system's response against nicotine, while also examining the effectiveness of combination therapies and counseling in treating nicotine addiction. Effective treatments are crucial to match individual patients' needs.
Research at the University of Washington suggests that faulty brain connections might be responsible for social impairments in adults with autism. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare brain activity in individuals with high-functioning autism and typically developed adults while looking at faces.
A new national study found that most Americans believe US-produced food is safe, but have concerns about imported food and the government inspection system. Many also worry about getting ill from food they eat, with certain groups, such as Hispanics and African-Americans, more likely to be concerned.
Research shows that patients need to re-learn the sit-to-stand position technique after TKA, relying on a larger hip extensor movement. Physical therapists can help by teaching correct techniques, potentially preventing future knee osteoarthritis.
A gardener's death due to inhaling fungal spores from dead plant material has highlighted the risk of aspergillosis. The case report suggests that prompt treatment with an appropriate antifungal agent is vital in such cases.
Researchers found that actively engaging in health control strategies can prevent chronic health problems and functional limitations in older adults. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that these strategies may be particularly effective in preventing decline during the early stages of physical aging.
Baminercept alfa, a dual-mechanism inhibitor of the LT-β and LIGHT pathway, has shown improved efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, including reduced swollen joint count and tender joint count. The Phase IIa trial results suggest that baminercept alfa is well-tolerated and may be effective in treating RA
Aortic aneurysms affect 5% of Americans, with a mortality rate of up to 80%. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing a computational system to predict when ruptures will occur. The tool aims to provide physicians with a more scientific understanding of the relationship between blood flow and vascular disease.
A new study suggests that closing the ozone hole may reverse Southern Hemisphere climate change, contrary to predictions made by IPCC models. The closure of the ozone hole is expected to decelerate tropospheric winds and potentially lead to a reversal of climate change in the region.
A study found that frequent self-cutting is linked to higher rates of HIV risk among teens. Teens who frequently cut themselves were more likely to share cutting instruments and exhibit less self-restraint.
A new study found that low hand bone mineral density is a significant predictor of mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Bone mineral density measured by digital X-ray radiogrammetry was as effective as established means like radiographic damage and functional disability in predicting mortality.
Los Alamos researchers used the Roadrunner supercomputer to model over a billion visual neurons and trillions of synapses, surpassing the scale of 1 quadrillion computations per second. This achievement throws open the door to achieving human-like cognitive performance in electronic computers.
Scientists are using a powerful supercomputer to create a model of normal human language that can read, comprehend, and repeat basic words. The 'Chatter Box' project aims to understand how the brain supports language function and how it breaks down after brain damage.
Researchers at NIST have developed a microwave-assisted two-stage process to produce water-soluble quantum dots with improved stability and brightness. The new method avoids a problematic step in conventional approaches, resulting in higher-quality dots.
The Acoustics '08 conference in Paris features a range of topics, including a clinical assessment of blood vessel ultrasound and its potential to detect vulnerable plaques. The conference also explores the acoustic properties of Stradivarius violins and their modifications for modern playing styles. Additionally, there will be presenta...
A new class of compounds, cyclopenta[b]benzofuran flavaglines, has been found to inhibit translation initiation and reverse cancer cell resistance to anticancer agents. This approach targets the eIF4A protein, which plays a central role in translation initiation.
A study published in BioMed Central's Journal of Inflammation found that pomegranate extract reduced the production of chemicals causing inflammation in rabbits. The findings suggest that pomegranate extract may provide relief from chronic inflammatory conditions in humans.
Research suggests that reduced REM sleep is associated with increased risk of being overweight in children and adolescents. According to a study, one hour less of total sleep or REM sleep increases the odds of being overweight by two- to three-fold.
The US remains the dominant leader in science and technology worldwide, with 40% of global R&D spending, but faces challenges from increasing competition, particularly from China. The study recommends establishing a permanent monitoring body and improving K-12 education to maintain the nation's lead.
A recent study published in Globalization and Health reveals that fluoride toothpaste is prohibitively expensive for the world's poorest populations. The researchers found that as per capita income decreased, the proportion of income needed to purchase a year's supply of toothpaste increased, with the poorest being hardest hit.
Researchers from Cardiff University challenge the reliability of Hawk-Eye's line call accuracy, suggesting that sports decision aids should come with a 'health' warning. The study proposes the Automated Decision Principle, which states that automated systems should reproduce human systematic errors rather than correcting them.
The new ASTM International standard assesses robot visual capability to determine if it can provide clear, easily interpretable images to operators and emergency planners. The test methods measure field of view, far- and near-vision acuity in various lighting conditions.
A new study finds that women can make significant gains in male-dominated management ranks after companies downsize and restructure their workforces. Women accounted for nearly 36% of managers after restructuring, but made less headway into top levels of management.
Researchers used CO-FISH to detect centromeric recombination and found 15 events per centromere, six times the rate of telomeric DNA, and 175 times genomic DNA. Methyltransferase knockdown increased recombination but also decreased centromere length due to misaligned segments.
A partial dinosaur skeleton discovered in British Columbia's Skeena mountain range is the first found in Canadian mountains and may represent a new species. The fossils are about 70 million years old and display unique characteristics, including an arm bone never seen before.
Researchers found that a chicken antibody behaves differently from its human counterpart, which sheds light on the origin of allergic reactions. The discovery could lead to designing drugs that alter the interaction between antibodies and white blood cells.
A study of 798 teenagers found that those with parents who suffer from chronic insomnia are more likely to experience sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The research suggests that family sleep interventions could help alleviate these risks.
A study by Rosemary Horne found that all severities of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) in children are associated with elevated blood pressure during sleep. SRBDs range from primary snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and can be detected through continuous measurements of blood pressure during overnight sleep.
A randomized controlled trial found carbocisteine significantly reduced yearly exacerbation rates in Chinese patients with COPD by 25% compared to placebo. This mucolytic drug may be a worthwhile treatment for prevention of exacerbations, particularly in developing countries.
The EUROACTION study found that a nurse-coordinated multidisciplinary family-based cardiology programme improved cardiovascular disease risk factors for patients with coronary heart disease and those at high risk. The programme also showed significant increases in physical activity levels, dietary improvements, and blood pressure contr...
Researchers produce 'quantum images' pairs of information-rich patterns whose features are entangled by quantum physics, offering improved detection and amplification of light beams. The technique may also enable storing data in quantum computers and transmitting encrypted information.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a key molecule linked to the progression of ALS. The protein VAPB plays a crucial role in regulating nerve-cell interactions and protein folding, with abnormal function contributing to the disease.
After a motorcycle helmet law was repealed, the number of head injuries among motorcyclists increased by 32% and hospitalizations rose by 42%. The study suggests that universal helmet laws can help protect riders and lower healthcare costs.
Adalimumab therapy shows promise in treating ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis patients who have failed other treatments. After 12 weeks of treatment, AS patients experienced a mean reduction in BASDAI of -2.4, while RA patients showed a mean reduction in DAS28 of -1.9.
New research reveals that coronavirus replication relies on the host's secretory pathway and disrupts the Golgi complex, a crucial cellular process. The study found that inhibiting this pathway can slow down or prevent viral infection.
A two-week study found that delaying school start time by one hour improved cognitive test scores in eighth graders. The experimental group woke up later and performed better on the first week, with longer sleep duration positively affecting cognitive functioning.
Researchers identified two peptides, NORQ and Hcrt, as crucial regulators of stress-induced analgesia in mice. The peptides interact with each other to modulate pain perception, suggesting a potential link to medical conditions caused by excessive stress.
A lack of integrated national health surveillance system in Canada poses significant risks to public health and hinders global response to emergencies. The absence of timely reporting mechanisms and poor coordination between federal and regional governments exacerbate the issue.
MIT researchers deciphered bacterial communication pathways, identifying specific amino acids that govern signaling specificity. This breakthrough enables engineering of bacteria as biosensors for detecting chemical pollutants.
A new report by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found significant gaps in advice given to European businesses to prepare for a possible influenza pandemic. The report suggests that most strategic efforts have been directed at preparing public health systems, leaving the non-health sector unprepared.